ElectrolysisTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions
Part of Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions — GCSE Chemistry
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions within Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions in Electrolysis for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 0 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 12 of 12 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 12 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
0 flashcards
Topic Summary: Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions
Key Terms
- Aqueous solution — contains ions from salt + H⁺/OH⁻ from water
- Preferential discharge — one ion reacts rather than another
- Brine — concentrated NaCl solution
- Cathode — negative electrode (reduction)
- Anode — positive electrode (oxidation)
Must-Know Facts
- 4 ions always present in aqueous solution
- Cathode: metal above H → H₂; below H → metal
- Anode: halide present → halogen; no halide → O₂
- Brine → H₂ + Cl₂ + NaOH
- 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂ (cathode half equation)
- 4OH⁻ → O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻ (anode, no halide)
- Gas tests: H₂ = squeaky pop; Cl₂ = bleaches litmus