Principles of electrolysis
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe electrolysis, and explain how it works using scientific terms.
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.
Teacher tip
Revisit how a simple electric circuit works before launching into electrolysis and provide pupils with a hands on practical experience.
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.
a process that uses electricity to breakdown a compound
a flow of electrical charge
a liquid or solution that contains freely moving ions
a rod of metal or graphite through which an electric current flows
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Principles of electrolysis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Principles of electrolysis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Electrolysis unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.