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2 Dec 2025

4 pages

comprehensive electrolysis study flash cards

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Raz

@razzles09

Electrolysis might sound complex, but it's actually just using electricity... Show more

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## lons in electrolysis

+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
e.g

They can conduct electricity
When MOLTEN or in SOLUTION
(dissolved). This is because ions

Ions in Electrolysis

Ever wondered why salt water conducts electricity but solid salt doesn't? It's all about ionic compounds and how their charged particles behave in different states.

Ionic compounds can only conduct electricity when they're molten (melted) or dissolved in solution. This happens because the ions become free to move around and carry electrical charge - think of them as tiny charged messengers zooming through the liquid.

You'll also encounter molecular ions - these are groups of atoms that stick together but still carry a charge. Common ones include hydroxide ions (OH⁻), sulphate ions (SO₄²⁻), and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻). These behave just like simple ions during electrolysis.

Quick Tip: Remember that ions need to be mobile to conduct electricity - solid ionic compounds have ions locked in place, so no current flows!

## lons in electrolysis

+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
e.g

They can conduct electricity
When MOLTEN or in SOLUTION
(dissolved). This is because ions

Electrolysis in Solutions

When you dissolve ionic compounds in water, electrolysis becomes more interesting because you've got extra players in the game - the water molecules themselves can get involved!

Halide ions (like Cl⁻, Br⁻, F⁻) always get oxidised at the anode if they're present. If there aren't any halide ions around, oxygen gets oxidised instead, producing oxygen gas. This is why you might see bubbles forming during electrolysis.

At the cathode, it's all about reactivity. The less reactive cation gets reduced first. For example, H⁺ ions are less reactive than Na⁺ ions, so hydrogen gas forms whilst the sodium stays dissolved.

This selective process is brilliant for making useful products - like when electrolysing salt water produces sodium hydroxide solution, a strong alkali used in loads of industrial processes.

Remember: Halides at the anode, less reactive cations at the cathode - it's like a chemical popularity contest!

## lons in electrolysis

+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
e.g

They can conduct electricity
When MOLTEN or in SOLUTION
(dissolved). This is because ions

Electrolysis of Molten Compounds

Electrolysis is essentially using electricity to force chemical reactions that wouldn't normally happen. You're passing an electrical current through a substance to cause oxidation and reduction at two different electrodes.

The anode is where oxidation happens think"anode=oxidation"think "anode = oxidation", whilst reduction occurs at the cathode. But here's the catch - this only works when ions can actually move to reach their preferred electrode.

For ionic compounds, this means they need to be either molten or in solution. In their solid state, the ions are locked in a crystal lattice and can't budge - no movement means no electrolysis.

Key Point: Free-moving ions are essential - no mobility, no electrolysis!

## lons in electrolysis

+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
e.g

They can conduct electricity
When MOLTEN or in SOLUTION
(dissolved). This is because ions


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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

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Sudenaz Ocak

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Greenlight Bonnie

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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

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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

38

2 Dec 2025

4 pages

comprehensive electrolysis study flash cards

user profile picture

Raz

@razzles09

Electrolysis might sound complex, but it's actually just using electricity to split compounds apart - and it's happening all around us! From extracting metals like aluminium to producing everyday chemicals, understanding how ions move and react during electrolysis will help... Show more

## lons in electrolysis

+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
e.g

They can conduct electricity
When MOLTEN or in SOLUTION
(dissolved). This is because ions

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Ions in Electrolysis

Ever wondered why salt water conducts electricity but solid salt doesn't? It's all about ionic compounds and how their charged particles behave in different states.

Ionic compounds can only conduct electricity when they're molten (melted) or dissolved in solution. This happens because the ions become free to move around and carry electrical charge - think of them as tiny charged messengers zooming through the liquid.

You'll also encounter molecular ions - these are groups of atoms that stick together but still carry a charge. Common ones include hydroxide ions (OH⁻), sulphate ions (SO₄²⁻), and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻). These behave just like simple ions during electrolysis.

Quick Tip: Remember that ions need to be mobile to conduct electricity - solid ionic compounds have ions locked in place, so no current flows!

## lons in electrolysis

+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
e.g

They can conduct electricity
When MOLTEN or in SOLUTION
(dissolved). This is because ions

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Electrolysis in Solutions

When you dissolve ionic compounds in water, electrolysis becomes more interesting because you've got extra players in the game - the water molecules themselves can get involved!

Halide ions (like Cl⁻, Br⁻, F⁻) always get oxidised at the anode if they're present. If there aren't any halide ions around, oxygen gets oxidised instead, producing oxygen gas. This is why you might see bubbles forming during electrolysis.

At the cathode, it's all about reactivity. The less reactive cation gets reduced first. For example, H⁺ ions are less reactive than Na⁺ ions, so hydrogen gas forms whilst the sodium stays dissolved.

This selective process is brilliant for making useful products - like when electrolysing salt water produces sodium hydroxide solution, a strong alkali used in loads of industrial processes.

Remember: Halides at the anode, less reactive cations at the cathode - it's like a chemical popularity contest!

## lons in electrolysis

+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
e.g

They can conduct electricity
When MOLTEN or in SOLUTION
(dissolved). This is because ions

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 of Molten Compounds

Electrolysis is essentially using electricity to force chemical reactions that wouldn't normally happen. You're passing an electrical current through a substance to cause oxidation and reduction at two different electrodes.

The anode is where oxidation happens think"anode=oxidation"think "anode = oxidation", whilst reduction occurs at the cathode. But here's the catch - this only works when ions can actually move to reach their preferred electrode.

For ionic compounds, this means they need to be either molten or in solution. In their solid state, the ions are locked in a crystal lattice and can't budge - no movement means no electrolysis.

Key Point: Free-moving ions are essential - no mobility, no electrolysis!

## lons in electrolysis

+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
+ - 
e.g

They can conduct electricity
When MOLTEN or in SOLUTION
(dissolved). This is because ions

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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.

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Most popular content: Ionic Solids

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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