Changes at the Electrodes

This section delves into the specific processes occurring at the electrodes during electrolysis GCSE Chemistry. Understanding these changes is crucial for answering GCSE AQA Chemistry electrolysis questions.

At the cathode, positive ions gain electrons in a process called reduction. This results in the formation of neutral atoms or molecules. Conversely, at the anode, negative ions lose electrons through oxidation, also becoming neutral.

In aqueous electrolysis, when multiple ions are attracted to the same electrode, the less reactive ion is typically the one that undergoes oxidation or reduction. This selectivity is an important concept in electrolyte and electrode processes in electrolysis for GCSE questions.

Definition: Reduction - The process of gaining electrons, occurring at the cathode during electrolysis.

Definition: Oxidation - The process of losing electrons, taking place at the anode during electrolysis.

Highlight: The reactivity of ions plays a crucial role in determining which species will be preferentially oxidized or reduced in aqueous electrolysis.

Extraction of Aluminium

The extraction of aluminium is a significant industrial application of electrolysis, often featured in GCSE AQA Chemistry electrolysis Required practical exercises. This process demonstrates the practical importance of electrolysis in metallurgy.

Aluminium is extracted from its ore, bauxite, which contains aluminium oxide along with other impurities. Since aluminium is more reactive than carbon, it cannot be extracted using carbon reduction and must undergo electrolysis instead.

The process involves several steps:

1. Purification of bauxite to remove impurities like iron oxide.
2. Mixing aluminium oxide with molten cryolite to lower the melting point.
3. Electrolysis of the mixture at around 850°C, significantly lower than aluminium's boiling point of 2050°C.

Vocabulary: Bauxite - The primary ore of aluminium, containing aluminium oxide and impurities.

Highlight: Cryolite is used to lower the melting point of aluminium oxide, reducing the energy required for electrolysis.

Example: The waste solution from bauxite purification has a rusty brown color due to the presence of iron oxide impurities.

Definition: Cryolite - A mineral used in the electrolysis of aluminium to lower the melting point of aluminium oxide.