Faraday and Electrolysis

Electrolysis

The Concept of electrolysis

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the chemical decomposition of a chemical compound into its component ions by passing direct current through it. Electrolysis usually involves metals since non-metals are unable to conduct electrolysis. In electrolysis, the compound, either in its molten or solute form is called the electrolyte and dissociates into its component ions when electricity is passed through it. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves in water, sodium chloride dissociates into Na positive ions and negative chloride ions.  The water molecules also dissociates into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. The ions are discharged at two opposite electrodes. Electrodes are terminals that conduct electrons from the electrolyte. these terms; electrolyte, electrode, terminals would be treated handsomely in this chapter. Begin your journey into electrolysis!

• basics of electrolysis

What are electrodes?

During the electrolysis of a chemical compound, the electrons from the ions flow into conductors that act as terminals, discharging positive and negative ions. The anode acts as the positive electrode and discharges negative ions called 'anions'. The cathode acts as the negative electrode that discharges positive ions called 'cations'.

Electrodes | Chemistry (Embed)