Electrolysis of Ionic Compounds: Molten and Aqueous Solutions

In this video, the process of electrolysis is discussed, which involves the splitting of an ionic compound into its constituent elements by passing an electric current through it. The video explains how electrolysis works for molten lead bromide and how molten cryolite is used to extract aluminum from aluminum oxide. It also describes the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of ionic compounds, including how the presence of hydrogen and hydroxide ions from water affect the reactions at the anode and cathode. The video ends with an example of the electrolysis of copper sulfate and how it results in the deposition of copper on the cathode and the production of oxygen at the anode.