Electrolysis and Metal Extraction
Electrolysis might sound complicated, but it's basically using electricity to split up compounds - and it's how we get many of the metals around us. An electrolyte (molten or dissolved ionic compound) conducts electricity because its ions can move freely.
Here's the key: positive ions migrate to the cathode (negative electrode) where they gain electrons (reduction), whilst negative ions head to the anode (positive electrode) where they lose electrons (oxidation). Remember: electrons flow opposite to the ion movement.
Aluminium extraction from bauxite ore demonstrates electrolysis perfectly. Since aluminium oxide has an extremely high melting point, it's mixed with cryolite to lower the temperature. The process works brilliantly, but the carbon electrodes need constant replacement because oxygen reacts with them to form CO₂.
Key Insight: If a metal is more reactive than hydrogen, hydrogen gas forms at the cathode instead of the metal. Less reactive metals will form a solid layer of pure metal.
In aqueous solutions, water complicates things by adding H⁺ and OH⁻ ions. At the anode, halide ions (chlorine, bromine, iodine) form if present; otherwise, oxygen gas bubbles off from discharged hydroxide ions. This explains why electrolysis is essential for extracting reactive metals that can't be reduced with carbon.