Question

____ is the process of making a chemical reaction take place by passage of an electric current through a substance or solution.

Short answer

Electrolysis is the process in which a chemical reaction takes place by passing an electric current through a substance or solution, involving the use of an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. In this process, the electric current is passed through an electrolyte containing ions, causing them to move towards the electrodes and undergo oxidation or reduction, leading to the formation of new products. Some common applications of electrolysis include metal extraction, electroplating, and chemical production.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the process

The process in which a chemical reaction takes place by passing an electric current through a substance or solution is called electrolysis.

Describe the main characteristics of electrolysis

Electrolysis involves the use of an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. In this process, the electric current is passed through an electrolyte, which is a conducting substance or solution containing ions. The current causes the movement of ions towards the electrodes, where they undergo oxidation or reduction, leading to the formation of new products. Some common applications of electrolysis include the extraction of metals from their ores, electroplating, and the production of certain chemicals.

Key concepts

Chemical Reaction

A chemical reaction is a process where substances, known as reactants, transform into new substances, called products. In the context of electrolysis, the chemical reaction is driven by an external electric current. This is what makes electrolysis unique: it can force reactions that would not usually happen on their own.
During electrolysis, ions in the electrolyte move towards the electrodes, which starts the reaction. The products formed depend on the type of solution and the material of the electrodes used. Understanding this concept allows us to manipulate chemical reactions to achieve desired outcomes, like separating metals or producing gases.

Electric Current

Electric current is a flow of electric charge, usually carried by moving electrons in a wire. In electrolysis, this current is vital to driving chemical reactions that wouldn't occur naturally.
The current flows through an electrolyte, creating a movement of ions, which are charged particles in a solution. This movement to and from the electrodes underlies the processes of oxidation and reduction.
Without the electric current, the ions would remain relatively static, and no chemical reaction would take place. Thus, the current acts as the engine that powers the chemical changes during electrolysis.

Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation and reduction are fundamental chemical processes that occur together in electrolysis. They involve the transfer of electrons between ions and electrodes.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons from a molecule, ion, or atom, while reduction is the gain of electrons. These reactions are coupled so that the electrons lost in oxidation are gained in reduction.
In electrolysis, these processes happen at the electrodes. The anode, which is positively charged, is where oxidation takes place. The cathode, negatively charged, is where reduction happens. Understanding this transfer is crucial for manipulating the outcomes of electrolysis.

Electroplating

Electroplating is a practical application of electrolysis, widely used across industries. It involves depositing a layer of metal onto a surface by passing an electric current through an electrolyte solution.
This process enhances properties such as appearance, corrosion resistance, or durability of the material. For instance, gold or silver plating can improve the aesthetic and resistance qualities of metals like copper or brass.
Electroplating underscores how the principles of electrolysis can be leveraged to change the surface properties of materials, opening up numerous industrial applications.

Electrolyte

An electrolyte is a key component in the process of electrolysis, acting as a medium to conduct electricity. It consists of a solution or substance that contains free ions, making it electrically conductive.
Common electrolytes include salt solutions like sodium chloride or acids such as sulfuric acid. During electrolysis, the movement of ions within the electrolyte towards the electrodes enables the chemical reactions.
Choosing the right electrolyte is essential as it determines the ions available for oxidation and reduction, influencing the efficiency and products of the reaction. Understanding electrolytes helps refine processes like electroplating and metal extraction through electrolysis.