Electrolysis 1 - Introduction
This lesson covers:
- How electrolysis can be used to split compounds
- The equipment required for electrolysis
- How electrons are passed around the circuit
Video Error Notice
In the video, we draw the lines of the battery the wrong way around. Make sure you draw your cells with the shorter lines on the same side as the cathode, as in the correctly drawn diagram below.

An electrolysis cell has two electrodes. What is the name of the positive electrode?
Anode
Cathode
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What is the name of the liquid indicated by letter A on the diagram above?
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In electrolysis, which direction do the electrons travel?
Anode ➔ Cathode
Cathode ➔ Anode
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Which ions are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode) during electrolysis?
Positive ions
Negative ion
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The electrodes in an electrolysis cell are normally made of inert carbon. What does the term 'inert' mean?
It cannot conduct electricity
It is chemically reactive and involved in the reaction
It is unreactive, so will not take place in the reaction.
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In electrolysis, is the ion that gains electrons oxidised or reduced?
Oxidised
Reduced
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In the electrolysis of molten lead bromide, what is the product at the anode?
Bromine
Lead
Oxygen
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In terms of electrons, what does oxidation mean?
Loss of electrons
Gain of electrons
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In electrolysis, why does the compound you're trying to separate need to be molten or dissolved?
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In electrolysis, which electrode would chloride ions (Cl-) be attracted to?
Anode
Cathode
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On the diagram above, which letter indicates the anode?
A
B
C
D
E
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