Effect of an Electric Current on Substances
Electrochemistry · Electrolysis
Syllabus tag: KCSE | Chemistry | Form 2 | Topic 10 Effect of an Electric Current on Substances
Lesson objectives
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
- Distinguish conductors, non-conductors and electrolytes.
- Explain electrolysis and write electrode equations.
- Describe the electrolysis of molten and aqueous electrolytes.
- State the applications of electrolysis including electroplating and extraction.
Summary
Electrolytes conduct electricity when molten or in solution and are decomposed in the process. Conduction occurs because ions are free to move. Cations go to the cathode and are reduced; anions go to the anode and are oxidised. In aqueous solution, water provides competing ions, so the product is not always obvious.