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This lesson covers electrolysis, a key topic in the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification (4.4.3). You need to understand what electrolysis is, how it works, predict the products of electrolysis for molten compounds and aqueous solutions, and explain electrolysis in terms of ion movement and electron transfer. Electrolysis connects ionic bonding, redox chemistry, and industrial applications in a single, important topic.
Electrolysis is the process of using an electric current to decompose (break down) an ionic compound that is either molten (melted) or dissolved in water (aqueous solution).
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Ionic compound | The substance must contain ions (charged particles) |
| Molten or dissolved | The ions must be free to move — in a solid ionic compound, ions are fixed in a lattice and cannot move |
| Two electrodes | Conductors (usually made of graphite or platinum) dipped into the liquid |
| Direct current (DC) supply | Provides the electrical energy to drive the decomposition |
An electrolyte is the molten or dissolved ionic compound that conducts electricity during electrolysis.
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