Some compounds can be separated into individual elements by passing an electric current through them when they are in a liquid state. This process is called electrolysis. For this to happen, the compound must be able to conduct electricity, and its elements must be held together by ionic bonds. Many industrial processes use electrolysis, especially those concerned with purifying metals or applying thin layers of metal to other objects.
Electrolysis is a way of separating a compound by passing an electric current through it; the products are the compound’s component ions. In order to predict the products of electrolysis, we first need to understand what electrolysis is and how it works. Electrolysis is a method of separating bonded elements and compounds by passing an electric current through them. It uses a direct electric current (DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is very important commercially as a stage in the separation of elements from naturally occurring sources, such as ores, using an electrolytic cell.
- An electrolyte: a substance containing free ions, which are the carriers of electric current in the electrolyte. If the ions are not mobile, as in a solid salt, then electrolysis cannot occur.
- A direct current (DC) supply: provides the energy necessary to create or discharge the ions in the electrolyte. Electric current is carried by electrons in the external circuit.
- Two electrodes: an electrical conductor that provides the physical interface between the electrical circuit providing the energy and the electrolyte.
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