Lesson: Electrolysis of Molten Salts Chemistry

In this lesson, we will learn how to describe the components of an electrolytic cell and predict the products of the electrolysis of molten salts.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

describe the process of electrolysis using a dc current,
explain the importance of selecting suitable electrolytes and electrodes for electrolysis to occur,
explain the movement of ions and electrons during electrolysis,
predict the products of electrolysis of binary, ionic compounds in the molten state.

Students should already be familiar with

Students will not cover

Q1:

Where does the reduction reaction occur?

Q2:

Where does the oxidation reaction occur?

Q3:

An electrolytic cell is formed of many different components.

What name is given to the liquid component of the cell that conducts electricity?

What name is given to a conductive material that moves charge either to or from the liquid in the cell?