Lesson Plan

• Describe the process of electrolysis and identify the components of an electrolytic cell.
• Explain how the state of the electrolyte (molten vs aqueous) influences the products formed at each electrode.
• Predict the products of electrolysis for given compounds using reduction potentials and electrode material.
• Apply half‑reaction notation to write the overall electrolysis reaction for common examples.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• PowerPoint/slide deck on electrolysis
• Diagram of an electrolytic cell (digital or printed)
• Worksheet with half‑reaction practice
• Demonstration kit (electrolytic cell, electrodes, NaCl solution, power source)
• Safety goggles and gloves

Begin with a quick recall question about redox reactions to activate prior knowledge. Explain that today’s focus is on how electricity can drive a reverse redox process – electrolysis. State that by the end of the lesson students will be able to describe the cell components, predict products, and write balanced half‑reactions.

1. Do‑now (5’) – short quiz on oxidation‑reduction and galvanic cells.
2. Teacher input (10’) – definition of electrolysis, diagram of an electrolytic cell, and discussion of required components.
3. Guided practice (12’) – work through half‑reaction examples for molten NaCl and aqueous NaCl in pairs.
4. Demonstration (8’) – live electrolysis of water; students observe gas evolution and relate to half‑reactions.
5. Group activity (10’) – worksheet predicting products for CuSO₄ with copper electrodes and other electrolytes.
6. Check for understanding (5’) – exit ticket: write the two half‑reactions for molten NaCl electrolysis.

Summarise the key factors that determine electrolysis products – state of the electrolyte, reduction potentials, and electrode material. Collect exit tickets to gauge mastery and assign a homework task to complete a set of product‑prediction problems for different electrolytes.