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Edexcel ·Chemistry·Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry

Electrochemistry

14 min read

Electrolysis of molten and aqueous compounds, electrode products, electroplating, cells and hydrogen fuel cells.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the breakdown of an ionic compound (the electrolyte), when molten or in aqueous solution, by the passage of electricity. The compound must contain ions free to move.

    Cathode (negative electrode) — attracts positive ions (cations); reduction occurs (gain of electrons).
    Anode (positive electrode) — attracts negative ions (anions); oxidation occurs (loss of electrons).
cathode (−) anode (+) → cations anions ←
An electrolysis cell — cations move to the cathode, anions to the anode.

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