Question

What is meant by electrolysis?

Short answer

Answer: The three main components involved in the electrolysis process are the electrolyte, the electrodes, and the electric current. The electrolyte is a substance that contains free ions, which participate in the chemical reaction. The electrodes are conductive materials that provide the electric current to pass through the substance; one electrode is called the anode (where oxidation occurs) and the other is called the cathode (where reduction occurs). The electric current drives the non-spontaneous chemical reaction, causing the substance to decompose into its constituent elements.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a process that uses an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. In other words, it is the process by which a substance is decomposed (broken down) into its constituent elements by passing an electric current through it. This process usually occurs in a solution or a molten state of the substance.

Components of Electrolysis

There are three main components involved in the electrolysis process: the electrolyte, the electrodes, and the electric current. The electrolyte is a substance that contains free ions, which are the particles that will be participating in the chemical reaction. The electrodes are conductive materials (usually metals) that are placed in the electrolyte as a way to provide the electric current that will pass through the substance. In an electrolysis setup, one electrode is called the anode, where oxidation occurs, and the other is called the cathode, where reduction occurs.

The Process of Electrolysis

When an electric current is passed through the electrolyte, the free ions in the solution or molten state will be attracted to the electrodes with opposite charge. At the anode (the positive electrode), negatively-charged ions (anions) will lose their electrons (undergo oxidation) and become neutral atoms or molecules. At the cathode (the negative electrode), positively-charged ions (cations) will gain electrons (undergo reduction) and become neutral atoms or molecules. This exchanging of electrons causes the substance to be decomposed into its constituent elements.

Applications of Electrolysis

Electrolysis has numerous applications, including the extraction of metals from their ores (e.g., aluminum from bauxite), electroplating (depositing a thin layer of metal on an object), and producing useful chemicals such as chlorine and hydrogen gas (from the electrolysis of water). Another essential application is the production of sodium hydroxide (a common alkaline) and chlorine gas by the electrolysis of brine (concentrated Sodium Chloride solution).