What is electrolysis?
Answer
Electrolysis is the process of decomposing an electrolyte into its ions by passing an electric current through it in the molten or dissolved state.
The working
Definition
Electrolysis is chemical decomposition produced by passing a direct electric current through an electrolyte.
At the electrodes
Positive ions (cations) move to the cathode and gain electrons, while negative ions (anions) move to the anode and lose electrons.
Redox process
Reduction occurs at the cathode and oxidation occurs at the anode, so electrolysis is a redox reaction driven by electricity.
Example
Electrolysis of molten NaCl gives sodium metal at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode.
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