Electrolysis

The process of chemical decomposition of the electrolyte by the passage of electricity

through its molten or dissolved state is termed as electrolysis. It is the chemical change
(Redox reaction occurring at electrode on passing current). The device in which this
process is carried out is called electrolytic cell.

In this process first of all electrolyte is ionised. The cations deposit on cathode where

reduction takes place. The anions deposit on anode where oxidation takes place. The
conversion of ions in the neutral particles at the respective electrodes is referred to as
primary change. The product obtained on primary change may be collected as such or
may undergo secondary change to form final products. The reactions taking place in
these changes are called electrochemical reactions.

It is interesting to note that liberation of a particular ion depends upon the nature
of electrode, discharged potential and concentration of ions in a solution. According to
the preferential discharge theory, if more than one type of cations or anions or both are
present in the electrolyte, then the ion is discharged which requires least energy or
discharged potential.

The decreasing order of discharged potential or the increasing order of deposition of

some ions is given below:

Cations:  etc.

Anions:   etc.

To explain the above, we consider the following examples:

1. Electrolysis of molten  : Molten   consists of    and   ions which

deposit on cathode and anode respectively on passing electricity. The changes may be
represented as:

At cathode 

 
At anode   (Primary change)

 (Primary change)