Electrolyte
The molten or dissolved ionic compound used in electrolysis. The ions are free to move, so it conducts electricity.
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Analogy
The ions are like delivery vans that carry charge from one electrode to the other.
In practice
Molten lead bromide is an electrolyte. Solid lead bromide is not, because its ions cannot move.
Practice
Flashcards
- Why must an electrolyte be molten or dissolved?So that its ions are free to move.
Interview questions
- Describe what happens at each electrode in the electrolysis of molten lead bromide.
- Lead ions move to the cathode and gain electrons
- Lead metal forms at the cathode
- Bromide ions move to the anode and lose electrons
- Bromine gas forms at the anode
Questions people ask
Why can solid ionic compounds not be electrolytes?
In a solid, the ions are locked in a lattice and cannot move to the electrodes. They must be melted or dissolved so the ions are free. Then positive ions travel to the cathode and negative ions to the anode, carrying electric charge through the liquid.
What is an electrode?
An electrode is a rod or plate, often made from graphite or metal, that carries electricity into and out of the electrolyte. The cathode is negative and the anode is positive. Inert electrodes like graphite do not react, so they do not change the products.