What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis refers specifically to the process where electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, resulting in the decomposition of a compound. During electrolysis, an electric current is passed through an electrolyte, which is usually a liquid that conducts electricity due to the presence of ions. This current causes the compound to break apart into its constituent elements or simpler compounds.

For example, in the electrolysis of water, the compound is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen gases. This transformation occurs at the electrodes, where oxidation and reduction reactions take place. The application of energy in the form of electricity is essential for driving these reactions, which would not occur spontaneously under standard conditions. It’s a fundamental concept in chemistry that relates to reactions involving ionic substances and their behavior in solution when subjected to an electric field.