EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The ions must be free to move, which is possible when an ionic substance is dissolved in water or it is melted. For example, if electricity is passed through molten lead(II) bromide, the lead(II) bromide is broken down to form lead and bromine.

Detailed explanation-2: -The reason that an electrolyte has to be molten or in solution is that the current is carried through the electrolyte by the movement of ions-not electrons. In a solid, those ions can’t move. It also follows, of course, that an electrolyte must contain ions.

Detailed explanation-3: -Electrolysis of molten ionic compounds When a molten ionic compound is electrolysed using inert electrodes, the metal is produced at the cathode and the non-metal is produced at the anode. For example, the electrolysis of molten lead bromide will produce lead at the cathode and bromine at the anode.

Detailed explanation-4: -When the anions reach the anode, they are oxidised therefore losing the electrons. in electrolysis of a molten substance the atoms are deposited at the electrodes forming the metal at the cathode and the non-metal at the anode.

Detailed explanation-5: -An ionic solid can’t be electrolysed because the ions are in fixed positions and can’t move. Electrode-A conductor that allows the flow of electricity into the electrolyte. Usually made out of graphite. Anode-The positive electrode.