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4.1 Electrolysis

Syllabus
0620–2026–2027
Topic
4.1
Level
—

4.1.1—Electrolysis as the decomposition of

  • Define electrolysis as the decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in aqueous solution, by the passage of an electric current

4.1.2—In simple electrolytic cells: (a) the

  • Identify in simple electrolytic cells: (a) the anode as the positive electrode (b) the cathode as the negative electrode (c) the electrolyte as the molten or aqueous substance that undergoes electrolysis

4.1.8—Transfer of charge during electrolysis

  • Describe transfer of charge during electrolysis to include: (a) the movement of electrons in the external circuit (b) the loss or gain of electrons at the electrodes (c) the movement of ions in the electrolyte

4.1.3—Products and observations during

  • Identify products and observations during electrolysis of: (a) molten lead(II) bromide (b) concentrated aqueous sodium chloride (c) dilute sulfuric acid with inert platinum/carbon electrodes

4.1.4—Metals or hydrogen are formed at the

  • State: metals or hydrogen are formed at the cathode and that non-metals (other than hydrogen) are formed at the anode

4.1.5—Predict the identity of the products

  • Predict the identity of the products at each electrode for the electrolysis of a binary compound in the molten state

4.1.6—Metal objects are electroplated to

  • State: metal objects are electroplated to improve their appearance and resistance to corrosion

4.1.7—Metals are electroplated

  • Describe how metals are electroplated

4.1.9—Products formed at the electrodes and

  • Identify the products formed at the electrodes and describe the observations made during the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate using inert carbon/graphite electrodes and when using copper electrodes

4.1.10—Predict the identity of the products

  • Predict the identity of the products at each electrode for the electrolysis of a halide compound in dilute or concentrated aqueous solution

4.1.11—Construct ionic half-equations for

  • Construct ionic half-equations for reactions at the anode (to show oxidation) and at the cathode (to show reduction)

Objective notes

11 learning objectives
ConceptIGCSE Chemistry