Passing electricity through compounds: electrolysis
2 marks · EasyDescribe how you could investigate whether molten lead(II) bromide conducts electricity. Explain the observation that would show conduction is occurring.
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Set up an electrolysis cell with molten and inert electrodes, connect to a power supply. If the bulb lights (or the ammeter shows current), conduction is occurring. Also, you may observe a chemical change at the electrodes.
Also accept: Mentioning bubbling/gas/lead at electrodes as chemical change
Common mistakes: Not specifying molten state; Observation not linked to conduction
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Describes using molten , inert electrodes, and a circuit (with power supply, ammeter or bulb).
A1 · 1 mark · Correctly states an observation indicating conduction (bulb lights, current flows, chemical change at electrodes).
Worked solution
Melt in a crucible, insert inert electrodes connected to a battery and a bulb or ammeter. If the bulb lights or the meter shows current, conducts electricity when molten. You could also observe a chemical change at the electrodes.