Electrolysis Lab

Created by Mr Lau Chin Hang

1 · Choose the electrolyte

Electrodes

At the cathode (−) we will get… At the anode (+) we will get…

Voltage 6.0 V

Simulation speed 1×

Cathode (−) · reduction = gain of electrons

Anode (+) · oxidation = loss of electrons

Overall

e⁻ gained at cathode0

e⁻ lost at anode0

Cathode

Anode

Gases: number of molecules ∝ volume collected. Steeper line = faster.

Solution

Ion labels Electrons (e⁻) Equations at electrodes Auto-rotate view

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Electrolysis uses electricity to break down an ionic compound (the electrolyte). It must be molten or dissolved so the ions can move.
PANIC: Positive is Anode, Negative Is Cathode.
Opposites attract: cations (+) move to the cathode, anions (−) move to the anode.
OIL RIG: Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons). Reduction at the cathode, oxidation at the anode.
Electrons flow through the wires. Ions carry the charge through the liquid — electrons never swim through it.
In solutions, cathode: a metal forms only if it is less reactive than hydrogen, otherwise H₂. Anode: a halogen forms if a halide ion is present, otherwise O₂.