Principles of electrolysis
I can describe electrolysis, and explain how it works using scientific terms.
- Year 11
- AQA
Principles of electrolysis
I can describe electrolysis, and explain how it works using scientific terms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Electrolysis: the process in which an electrolyte is broken down by electricity; it's not a physical separation method.
- The cathode is the negative electrode, where positive particles gain electrons.
- The anode is the positive electrode, where negative particles lose electrons.
- An electrolyte contains freely moving ions, and these are attracted to the charged electrodes.
- Electrolysis allowed Davy and Faraday to make their scientific discoveries.
Keywords
Electrode - a rod of metal or graphite through which an electric current flows in and out of an electrolyte
Electrolyte - a liquid or solution that contains freely moving ions
Electrolysis - a process that uses electricity to break down a compound
Common misconception
Pupils often confuse key terminology, as many words are similar, and confuse electrolysis with physical methods of separation.
Emphasise the keywords and provide plenty of opportunity for them to be used in the correct context. Compare electrolysis to physical methods of separation, such as filtration, and explain that chemical reactions occur at the electrodes.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?
Q2.What does the periodic table show?
Q3.What type of ions do metals typically form?
Q4.What is the charge of an electron?
Q5.How do non-metals achieve a full outer shell?
Q6.What is an ion?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the role of the cathode in electrolysis?
Q2.What occurs at the anode during electrolysis?
Q3.What does an electrolyte contain?
Q4.Who formulated the laws of electrolysis?
Q5.Why is electrolysis not a physical separation method?
Q6.Match each keyword to its meaning.
