Electrochemistry-electrolysis

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Electrolysis is defined as the use of electricity to bring about a chemical reaction. This is brought about through the passing of a current through electrolytes. Electrolytes are substances which, when molten or dissolved in water, allow an electric current to pass through.

Electrodes are the rods that sit in the electrolyte and make electrical contact with it.The 2 types of electrodes are the positive anode and the negative cathode. Oxidation occurs at the positive electrode and reduction occurs at the negative electrode.

There are 2 types of electrode, inert electrodes and active electrodes. Inert electrodes don't react with the electrolyte in which they are placed, eg Platinum. Active electrodes react with the electrolyte in which they are placed, eg Copper and Iron. Electrolysis is commercially highly important as a stage in the separation of elements from natural sources such as ores

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