Electrolysis

Electrolysis

Electrolysis involves using electricity to break down electrolytes to form elements. The products of electrolysis can be predicted for a given electrolyte. Copper can be purified using electrolysis.

Electrolysis of molten salts

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are ionic compounds that are:

• in the molten state (heated so they become liquids), or
• dissolved in water

Under these conditions, the ions in electrolytes are free to move within the liquid or solution.

Electrolysis is a process in which electrical energy, from a direct current (dc) supply, decomposes electrolytes. The free moving ions in electrolytes are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes, which connect to the dc supply.

Cations

Positively charged ions are called cations. They move towards the negatively charged electrode, which is called the cathode.

Anions

Negatively charged ions are called anions. They move towards the positively charged electrode, which is called the anode.