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Chemistry

Electrochemistry

Key Points

  • Electrolysis: decomposition of a compound by electric current
  • Cathode: negative electrode (reduction โ€” gain of electrons)
  • Anode: positive electrode (oxidation โ€” loss of electrons)
  • Faraday's 1st Law: mass deposited โˆ quantity of electricity
  • Electrochemical series determines which ions are discharged first

Detailed Notes

Electrochemistry covers electrolysis and electrochemical cells. In electrolysis, cations (positive ions) move to the cathode and are reduced; anions (negative ions) move to the anode and are oxidised. The electrochemical series (reactivity series) determines the order of discharge of ions. Applications: electroplating, extraction of metals (aluminium from bauxite), purification of copper.

Key Formulas & Facts

Faraday's 1st Law
m = ZIt (mass = electrochemical equivalent ร— current ร— time)
Charge
Q = It (charge = current ร— time)