Electrolysis Reactions: Oxidation and Reduction—ChemTopic™ Lab Activity

Electrolysis is the decomposition of a substance by electric current. When electric current passes through an aqueous solution of sodium sulfate, water molecules decompose via an oxidation–reduction reaction, generating oxygen gas at the anode and hydrogen gas at the cathode. Depending on the electrolyte, different reactions take place during the electrolysis of an aqueous solution. With the Electrolysis Reactions: Oxidation and Reduction—ChemTopic™ Lab Activity, determine the products obtained in the electrolysis of aqueous potassium iodide, copper(II) bromide and sodium chloride solutions.