1. Electrolysis
Electrolysis breaks down ionic substances into simpler substances by using electricity!

2. Ionic substances!
For you to properly understand electrolysis, you need to be aware of the definition of an Ionic Substance.
Ionic substances are formed when a metal reacts with a non metal.
They contain charged particles called ions.
Ions are free to move in solutions or molten. Which is why electrolysis extracts a metal from a solution.

3. Ionic compounds can be used in electrolysis to produce useful product.
Ionic solutions can be used to make salts.
Oxidation-reduction reactions involve the transfer of electrons.

4. The Electrolysis Process
For electrolysis to take place there needs to be:
Two electrodes – A positive electrode (anode), and a negative electrode (Cathode)
An Ionic solution
Electricity!
So you end up with something that looks like this…

5. At the Positive electrode (Anode), negatively charged ions lose electrons. This loss of electrons is known as Oxidation.
At the negative electrode (Cathode), positively charged ions gain electrons. This Gain of electrons is known as Reduction.
To help you remember this use the words oil rig.
Oxidation Is Loss of electrons.
Reduction Is Gain of electrons.
If both reduction and oxidation occur in a chemical reaction, the reaction is known as a Redox reaction.

6. Example..
In the electrolysis of copper chloride solution, copper is deposited at the Negative electrode, and chlorine gas is given off at the positive electrode.
At the negative electrode:
Cu² eֿ Cu (s)
At the positive electrode:
2Cl ֿ + 2e ֿ Cl2 (g)
(g) Means a gas
(s) Means a solid

7. Things to remember… OIL RIG Positive electrode – Anode
Negative electrode – Cathode
Ions are free to move around in a solution
Electrolysis is the breaking down of a compound.

8. Now I quick quiz! What is the definition of electrolysis?
How is an ionic substance formed?
What happens at the positive electrode (Anode)?
4. What happens at the negative electrode (Cathode)?
5. What does Oil Rig Stand for?

9. Answers
The breaking down of a compound. Or breaks down ionic substances into simpler substances using electricity.
An ionic substance is formed when a metal reacts with a non metal.
Reduction occurs – positively charged ions gain electrons.
Oxidation occurs – negatively charged ions lose electrons.
Oxidation Is Loss…..Reduction Is Gain