SPM Chemistry Form 4 Notes Electrochemistry (Part 1)

by BerryBerryTeacher on 18/06/2011 in Berry Reference (Notes) The three basic components to learn electrochemistry for SPM Form 4 Chemistry students consist of electrolyte, non-electrolyte and also conductors. While it is clear to students the difference between an electrolyte and non-electrolyte, students typically confuse electrolyte with conductors. So this introductory post, Part 1 on SPM Form 4 Chemsitry series of notes on Electrochemistry by Berry Berry Easy attempts to provide basic information for student to kick start their understanding of this chapter. [Tips: For those who still cannot understand the difference between an electrolyte and conductor, think in terms of chemical changes and ion/electron flows. This will definitely allow you to understand this topic.] SPM Chemistry Form 4 Notes Electrochemistry (Part 1)

Voltaic Cell Electrolyte

Electrolytes are substances that can conduct electricity in molten or aqueous state and undergo chemical changes. It can conduct electricity due to the presence of free moving ions.

Example for electrolytes (alkalis, acids, salt solution or molten salt):

molten lead(II) chloride copper(II) sulphate solution solution containing ions such as hydrochloride acid

Non-electrolyte

Non-electrolytes are molecules that cannot conduct electricity and will not undergo any chemical changes. It cannot conduct electricity due to the absent of free moving ions.

Example of non-electrolytes (covalent substances):

molten acetone molten naphthalene glucose solution

Conductor

Conductors are substances that can conduct electricity in solid or molten state but do not undergo any chemical changes. It can conduct electricity due to the flow of electrons.

Example of conductor:

iron graphite mercury

Ionic Compounds Solid state Molten state or aqueous state (dissolved in water) Do not conduct electricity Can conduct electricity Ions are held in a lattice Ions do not move freely Ions are free to move Covalent Compounds Solid state Molten state or aqueous state (dissolved in water) Do not conduct electricity Do not conduct electricity Exist in molecules Exist in molecules Molecules do not have free Exception: HCl and NH3 moving ions exist as free moving ions in water

This is the end of the introductory post on Electrochemistry for SPM Form 4 Chemistry students by Berry Berry Easy. Stay tuned to the next part, Part 2 of the series which focuses on electrolysis in molten compounds.

SPM Chemistry Form 4 Notes Electrochemistry (Part 2)

by BerryBerryTeacher on 19/06/2011 in Berry Reference (Notes) Electrolysis is a very important process in chemistry which has not only academic importance but also industrial applications. Without going to far into that, electrolysis is simply a method of utilising electric current (direct current) to force a chemical reaction which would not have happened normally (non-spontaneous). This is one of the most asked question in SPM Chemistry, so Berry Berry Easy would like to provide notes, Part 2 of SPM Chemistry Form 4 short notes on Electrochemistry. In this part, youll be exposed to the electrolysis of molten compounds and some relevant examples such as molten magnesium oxide, molten lead(II) bromide and molten naphthalene. So read the following post to understand electrolysis of molten compounds. [Tips: For those who fail to see the underlying concept of electrolysis, then understanding the origin of the Greek word would give obvious hints about the process. Electrolysis comes from two words, from the Greek words "Elektron" and "Lysis" which mean "amer" and "to separate", respectively. The key point here is 'separation'. So do remember the origin if you forget what electrolysis is all about.] SPM Chemistry Form 4 Notes Electrochemistry (Part 2)

Voltaic Cell Electrolysis of Molten Compounds

Electrolysis (with battery / electricity current) is a process of decomposition / breaking down / separation of a compound (electrolyte) into its constituent elements when electric current passes through it.

Important definition Anode Cathode Anion Cation Electrode connected to the positive terminal (+) of a battery Electrode connected to the negative terminal (-) of a battery Negatively-charged ion. Example: Cl-, SO42- and O2Positively-charged ion. Example: Na+, Zn2+ and Al3+

Classification of electrodes Inert electrodes Active electrodes Electrodes that do not take part in Carbon or chemical reactions during platinum electrolysis Electrodes that take part in Copper or zinc chemical reactions during electrolysis

Example 1: Molten magnesium oxide, MgO

Ions: Magnesium ions (Mg2+) & oxide ions (O2-) Cathode (Negative electrode): Mg2+ move to the cathode Anode (Positive electrode): O2- move to the anode Electrons flow from anode to the cathode through the wire Can conduct electricity

Example 2: Molten lead(II) bromide, PbBr2

Ions: Lead(II) ions (Pb2+) & bromide ions (Br - ) Cathode (Negative electrode): Pb2+ move to the cathode Anode (Positive electrode): Br - move to the anode Electrons flow from anode to the cathode through the wire Can conduct electricity

Example 3:

Molten naphthalene

Ions: No ions present (naphthalene is covalent compound which consists of molecules = uncharged particles) No electrons flows Cannot conduct electricity

This is end of Part 2, the next part of short notes from Berry Berry Easy on SPM Form 4 Chemistry Electrochemistry will be on the main title of Electrolysis of Aqueous compounds focusing on the smaller subtopic of positions of ions in the electrochemical series.