ELECTROLYSIS

1. Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to break down or decompose a

compound.
2. Usually the compound should be molten or dissolved in water.
3. Electrolysis is important for extracting useful pure elements from compounds.
4. Electrolysis is takes place in an electrolytic cells

5. The electrolytic cell consists of the following parts:

(a) A battery to supply electricity
(b) Two electrodes
(c) An electrolyte

6. When electricity is passed through an electrolyte, chemical reactions take place at

the electrodes, and the electrolyte is decomposed
7. The reactions taking place at the electrode are called electrolyte reactions.
8. The process of electrolysis involved three things, as shown in the diagram below

9. Redox reaction occur at the electrodes of an electrolytic cell

At the anode, oxidation occurs
At the cathode, reduction occurs

Electroly
sis
Cathode (electrode)

Anode (+
electrode)

Cations ( + ions)

Anions (+ ions)

Reduction occurs (gain of

electron)

Oxidation occurs (loss of

electrons)

Cathode ( electrode)