Open the App

Subjects

Chemistry

15 Dec 2025

337

2 pages

AQA GCSE Chemistry: Chemical Changes and Electrolysis Explained

user profile picture

huda @hihudaa

Chemical changes involve some of the most important reactions you'll encounter in chemistry, from the acids and bases... Show more

Chemicale Changes
PHO-6 Acids 3 measuring the pH of a solutiong Acids form H+ ions in water.
• BASE:
PH 7- Neutral
substance with a pH great

Chemical Changes and Acids & Bases

Ever wondered why lemon juice stings cuts or why your stomach produces acid? The pH scale (0-14) tells us exactly how acidic or basic something is. Acids sit between 0-6, neutral substances hit exactly 7, and alkalis range from 8-14.

Strong acids like hydrochloric acid completely ionise in water, releasing all their H⁺ ions. Weak acids like vinegar only partially ionise, creating an equilibrium between ionised and non-ionised particles. Don't confuse acid strength with concentration - strength tells you what proportion ionises, whilst concentration measures how much acid is actually present.

Neutralisation follows a simple pattern acid + base → salt + water. The key reaction here is H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O. You can create salts using three main reactions acids with metal oxides, metal hydroxides, or metal carbonates (which also produces CO₂).

Quick Tip When making soluble salts, warm the acid gently, add excess insoluble base until no more reacts, filter out the excess, then evaporate the water to form crystals.

The reactivity series (Please Stop Calling Me A Careless Zebra Instead Try Learning How Copper Saves Gold) determines how metals react with acids. More reactive metals like magnesium fizz vigorously, whilst less reactive ones like copper won't react at all.

Chemicale Changes
PHO-6 Acids 3 measuring the pH of a solutiong Acids form H+ ions in water.
• BASE:
PH 7- Neutral
substance with a pH great

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.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

6

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Electrolysis

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Chemistry

337

15 Dec 2025

2 pages

AQA GCSE Chemistry: Chemical Changes and Electrolysis Explained

user profile picture

huda

@hihudaa

Chemical changes involve some of the most important reactions you'll encounter in chemistry, from the acids and bases that affect everything around us to the industrial processes that extract metals from ores. Understanding pH, neutralisation, and electrolysis will give you... Show more

Chemicale Changes
PHO-6 Acids 3 measuring the pH of a solutiong Acids form H+ ions in water.
• BASE:
PH 7- Neutral
substance with a pH great

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Chemical Changes and Acids & Bases

Ever wondered why lemon juice stings cuts or why your stomach produces acid? The pH scale (0-14) tells us exactly how acidic or basic something is. Acids sit between 0-6, neutral substances hit exactly 7, and alkalis range from 8-14.

Strong acids like hydrochloric acid completely ionise in water, releasing all their H⁺ ions. Weak acids like vinegar only partially ionise, creating an equilibrium between ionised and non-ionised particles. Don't confuse acid strength with concentration - strength tells you what proportion ionises, whilst concentration measures how much acid is actually present.

Neutralisation follows a simple pattern: acid + base → salt + water. The key reaction here is H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O. You can create salts using three main reactions: acids with metal oxides, metal hydroxides, or metal carbonates (which also produces CO₂).

Quick Tip: When making soluble salts, warm the acid gently, add excess insoluble base until no more reacts, filter out the excess, then evaporate the water to form crystals.

The reactivity series (Please Stop Calling Me A Careless Zebra Instead Try Learning How Copper Saves Gold) determines how metals react with acids. More reactive metals like magnesium fizz vigorously, whilst less reactive ones like copper won't react at all.

Chemicale Changes
PHO-6 Acids 3 measuring the pH of a solutiong Acids form H+ ions in water.
• BASE:
PH 7- Neutral
substance with a pH great

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

6

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Electrolysis

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user