Electrolysis Fundamentals
Think of electrolysis as using electricity to force chemical reactions that wouldn't normally happen. It's like being a chemical referee - you're splitting up compounds that would rather stay together!
The setup involves two electrodes (anode and cathode) dipped into an electrolyte - that's just a fancy name for a liquid containing ions that can move freely. The power supply drives electrons through the circuit, forcing reactions at both electrodes.
Here's what you need to remember: the cathode (negative electrode) attracts positive ions and reduces them, whilst the anode (positive electrode) attracts negative ions and oxidises them. For example, lead ions (Pb²⁺) get reduced to lead metal at the cathode, whilst bromide ions (Br⁻) get oxidised to bromine gas at the anode.
The reactivity series determines which ions get discharged first - hydrogen ions are quite reactive, so they often get discharged instead of more reactive metal ions like potassium or sodium.
💡 Memory Trick: "An Ox, Red Cat" - Anode Oxidation, Reduction Cathode. This will never let you down in exams!