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Post by CRG on Nov 15, 2005 18:22:14 GMT
This isn't really a specific question, so I'll put it on here. I really don't get electrolysis. Cathodes, electrolytes... whaaa? Do metal bits have any significance, because isn't it the liquid that does the moving. Also, how do represent whatever's happening as a half-equation? Any help much appreciated! Exalts on offer!
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Post by midgetmogget on Nov 16, 2005 9:09:48 GMT
*Think Midge, think*
The electrolyte is the liquid. It contains [sometimes among other things] negative oxygen ions [O2+and positive metal ions. The cathodes [positive terminals] are carbon. The oxygen ions are attracted to the cathode, and react with the carbon to form carbon dioxide. The metal ions move to the anode [negative terminal], where they gain electrons and precipitate. They drop to the bottom of the tank as a liquid, and are piped off.
One metal that is extracted using electrolysis is aluminium. It is extracted as Al2O3. The ions it forms are Al3- and O2+. At the cathode: 6O2+ +12e- +3C -> 3CO2 At the anode: 4Al3+ -> 4Al + 12e-.
Put these together! 6O2+ +12e- +3C + 4Al3+ -> 3CO2 + 4Al + 12e-.
Take out anything on both sides! 6O2+ +12e- +3C + 4Al3+ -> 3CO2 + 4Al + 12e-.
Tah-daa! 6O2+ +3C + 4Al3+ -> 3CO2 + 4Al.
You can combine the ions if you want, but that isn't nessescary. Al2O3 + 3C -> 3CO2 + 4Al.
All without a text book!
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Post by CRG on Nov 16, 2005 18:40:01 GMT
Thanks MOQ!!! That's definitely worth exalting. Maybe even twice.
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Post by midgetmogget on Nov 17, 2005 10:23:09 GMT
*does may get exalted twice dance*
Hang on - the last line should start with a 2! [no factorial intended]
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Post by bubble on Nov 20, 2005 14:09:39 GMT
I'm in a mood for doing adminey kind of things, and it does kind of fit better. Does anyone mind if I move this thread to the questions board? Well, I'll do it anyway. Ask me or Stephi to change it back if you really complain.
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Post by CRG on Nov 20, 2005 14:12:11 GMT
It's ok. I didn't really know where to put it; it was a question, but quite vague and open... anyway it probably belongs here.
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Post by bubble on Nov 20, 2005 21:32:46 GMT
It's ok. I was just in a random kind of mood. I think I shall now delete it off there.
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Post by StephiB on Nov 21, 2005 10:57:04 GMT
I have a question: Why does it say there are no topics on the Physics board?
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Post by midgetmogget on Nov 21, 2005 15:47:44 GMT
Because it's complaining about this being moved?
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Post by bubble on Nov 25, 2005 13:04:53 GMT
It shouldn't say that. There are at least 3 topics on the physics board
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Post by midgetmogget on Nov 25, 2005 13:33:46 GMT
It seems to be fine now.
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Post by bubble on Nov 25, 2005 20:29:47 GMT
Good. I would've fixed it if it hadn't.
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Post by StephiB on Nov 25, 2005 21:41:45 GMT
Chemistry board then. I fixed it anyway.
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Post by CRG on Dec 4, 2005 11:08:29 GMT
This thread's been left now for over a week, so does anybody have any further electrolysis questions or should it be locked until they do?
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Post by bubble on Dec 4, 2005 17:28:13 GMT
I've locked it. (Oh yeah, sorry crg, you mod this board don't you??) Someone can pm one of us if they want it unlocked.
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