Electrolysis is the process where an electric current is

passed through a liquid that conducts electricity.

A liquid will only conduct electricity if it contains ions.

The electrodes are often made from graphite.

The liquid that conducts electricity is called the electrolyte.

The amount of electricity needed to produce a

particular mass of metal (or non-metal) can be calculated.

The negative electrode, called the cathode,

will attract positively charged metal ions.

The metal ions collect electrons from the cathode

(this is called reduction)

and are discharged as metal atoms.

The positive electrode, called the anode,

will attract negatively charged non-metal ions.

The non-metal ions lose electrons to

the anode (this is called oxidation) and

are discharged as non-metal atoms

which often combine to form molecules.

In this way, elements that are present in ionic compounds

can be separated by electrolysis. This method is

used for the extraction of some metals from their ore.

See for example lead bromide, magnesium chloride,

potassium chloride, sodium chloride and zinc chloride.

The situation is more complicated when the substance

used for electrolysis is dissolved in water.

Electrolysis can also be used for metal plating.