Download Electrolysis uses electrical energy to induce a chemical

Electrolysis uses electrical energy to induce a chemical reaction, which
then takes place in an electrolytic cell.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE [ edit ]
Recall the three components necessary to construct an electrolytic cell
KEY POINTS [ edit ]
Electrometallurgy is the process of reducing metals from metallic compounds to obtain the pure
form of the metal usingelectrolysis.
Electrolysis can sometimes be thought of as running a non-spontaneous galvanic cell.
Electrodes of metal, graphite, and semiconductor material are widely used in electrolysis.
Other systems that utilize the electrolytic process are used to produce metallic sodium and
potassium, chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide, and potassium and sodium chlorate.
TERMS [ edit ]
electrolysis
The chemical change produced by passing an electric current through a conducting solution or a
molten salt.
electrolytic
Of, relating to, or using electrolysis.
Give us feedback on this content: FULL TEXT [edit ]
In chemistryand manufacturing, electrolysis is a method of using a direct electric current
(DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is commercially
important as a stage in the process of separating elements from naturally occurring sources
such as ore.
Electrolysis is the passage of a direct
electric current through an
ionic substance that is either molten or
dissolved in a suitablesolvent, resulting in
chemical reactions at the electrodes and
separation of the materials.
Electrolysis can sometimes be thought of
as running a non-spontaneous galvanic
cell. Depending on how freely elements
give up electrons (oxidation) and how
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energetically favorable it is for elements to
receive electrons (reduction), the reaction may not be spontaneous. By externally supplying
the energy to overcome the energy barrier to spontaneous reaction, the desired reaction is
"allowed" to run under special circumstances.
The main components required to perform electrolysis are:
An electrolyte: a substance containing free ions that carry electric current. 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.
A typical electrolysis cell
A cell used in elementary chemical experiments to produce gas as a reaction product and to measure its
volume.
Electrodes of metal, graphite, and semiconductor material are widely used. Choosing a
suitable electrode depends on the chemical reactivity between the electrode and electrolyte,
and the cost of manufacture.
Other systems that utilize the electrolytic process are used to produce metallic sodium and
potassium, chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide, and potassium and sodium chlorate.