Electrolysis is using electricity to separate molten or aqueous ionic compounds into their elements.
We use an electric current to breakdown a molten ionic substance. We call that substance that it is broken down into is called an electrolyte.
During electrolysis, the positively charged ions move towards the negative electrode. The negatively charged ions move towards the positive electrode.
At the negative electrode the positive metal ions gain electrons. This is called reduction.
E.g. Na+ + e- --> Na
At the positive electrode the negative metal ions lose electrons. This is called oxidation.
E.g. 2Cl- --> Cl2 + 2e-
The electrodes are often made of unreactive (or inert) substances. This is so the electrodes don't react with the electrolyte or the products made in electrolysis.
Comments
No comments have yet been made