Chemistry (Combined Science) · GCSE · AQA · AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Chemistry — Higher · Specification point · 5.4.3.4 · Chemical changes · Electrolysis
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5.4.3.4 Electrolysis of aqueous solutions
| Content | Key opportunities for skills development |
|---|---|
The ions discharged when an aqueous solution is electrolysed using inert electrodes depend on the relative reactivity of the elements involved. At the negative electrode (cathode), hydrogen is produced if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen. At the positive electrode (anode), oxygen is produced unless the solution contains halide ions when the halogen is produced. This happens because in the aqueous solution water molecules break down producing hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions that are discharged. | |
Students should be able to predict the products of the electrolysis of aqueous solutions containing a single ionic compound. | WS 1.2 |
Required practical activity 9: investigate what happens when aqueous solutions are electrolysed using inert electrodes. This should be an investigation involving developing a hypothesis.
AT skills covered by this practical activity: chemistry AT 3 and 7.
This practical activity also provides opportunities to develop WS and MS. Details of all skills are given in Key opportunities for skills development (page 180).