Electrolysis: aqueous solutions practical
I can investigate what happens when aqueous solutions are electrolysed with inert electrodes.
Electrolysis: aqueous solutions practical
I can investigate what happens when aqueous solutions are electrolysed with inert electrodes.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Electrolysis involves the decomposition / break-down of a substance by passing an electric current.
- Two types of positive ions are in competition at the negative electrode
- Two types of negative ions are in competition at the positive electrode
- There are rules for which substances are discharged at the anode and cathode
- The gases produced during electrolysis can be collected and tested
Keywords
Aqueous solution - formed when a substance is dissolved in water
Electrolyte - a liquid or aqueous salt solution that contains freely moving ions
Electrolysed - when a substance has been broken down by electrolysis
Common misconception
confusing the electrodes, electrical cables or carbon electrodes having a break in them
Use the PANIC acronym; positive anode negative is cathode. Check all components of the electric circuit.
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Electrolysis: aqueous solutions practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Electrolysis: aqueous solutions practical, 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.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Electrolysis unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
electrolysis cell with graphite electrodes, power pack, electric leads with crocodile, test tubes, measuring cylinder, solutions of copper chloride, sodium chloride, copper sulfate, blue litmus paper