Principles of electrolysis
I can describe electrolysis, and explain how it works using scientific terms.
Principles of electrolysis
I can describe electrolysis, and explain how it works using scientific terms.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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