What is the process of electrolysis?

The process of electrolysis involves using electricity to drive a chemical change, making it a key method in various chemical reactions, particularly in the breaking down of compounds. When an electric current is passed through an electrolyte— which is a substance containing free ions dissolved in a solvent— the ions migrate towards the electrodes. This movement allows for reactions to occur at the anode and cathode, leading to the formation of different substances.

For instance, in the electrolysis of water, an electrical current breaks water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases. This direct control over chemical transformation through electricity is fundamental to electrolysis, demonstrating its importance in fields such as industrial chemistry, electroplating, and battery technology.