electrolysis

= = = = =__Electrolysis__=


 * **Electrolysis** is the process of decomposing a compound into its elements by the passage of an electric current.


 * During electrolysis:
 * **A direct current** is passed into a compound in its **molten** or **aqueous** state,
 * **Electrical energy** is changed into **chemical energy.**


 * Electrolysis is carried out in an **electrolytic cell** as shown below in figure 1:

[[image:images.jpg align="center" caption="figure 1 showing an ELectrolytic cell"]]

 * The electrolytic cell is made up of:
 * 1) Battery
 * 2) The **positive** terminal of the battery is connected to the **positive** electrode.
 * 3) The **negative** terminal of the battery is connected to the **negative** electrode.
 * 4) Electrodes
 * 5) **Electrodes** are the terminal through which electrons enter and leave the **electrolyte.**
 * 6) Electrons enter the electrolyte via the negative electrode and leave via the positive electrode.
 * 7) Electrodes are made up of **inert** materials such as carbon, platinum, titanium or stainless steel.
 * 8) The **positive electrode** is called the **anode**
 * 9) The **negative electrode** is called the **cathode**
 * 10) Electrolyte
 * 11) An **electrolyte** is a molten ionic compound or an aqueous solution that can be decomposed by an electric current.
 * 12) During electrolysis, **anions** are attracted to the **anode** while **cations** are attracted to the **cathode**, i.e.
 * **Anions (negative ions) →anode (positive electrode)**
 * **Cations (positive ions)→ cathode (negative electrode)**
 * 1) Electrolytes are usually made up of:
 * 2) Molten or aqueous solutions of ionic compounds,
 * 3) Aqueous solutions of acids or alkalis.