Electrolysis is a process that uses electrical current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. In simpler terms, it's a way to use electricity to break down a substance into its constituent elements.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Electrolytic Cell: Electrolysis is performed in an electrolytic cell, which consists of two electrodes (a cathode and an anode) immersed in an electrolyte and connected to an external power source (a direct current (DC) power supply).
• Electrolyte: The electrolyte is a substance containing ions that can move freely, allowing them to carry an electric charge through the solution. It is usually a molten salt or a solution containing ions.
• Electrodes: The electrodes are conductors that provide a surface for the oxidation and reduction reactions to occur.
  • Cathode: The negatively charged electrode where reduction (gain of electrons) occurs.
  • Anode: The positively charged electrode where oxidation (loss of electrons) occurs.
• Process: When an electric current is applied, the ions in the electrolyte are attracted to the electrode with the opposite charge. At the electrodes, the ions undergo chemical reactions:
  • Cations (positive ions) move to the cathode and gain electrons (reduction).
  • Anions (negative ions) move to the anode and lose electrons (oxidation).

Examples of Electrolysis:

• Electrolysis of Water: Breaking down water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
• Electroplating: Coating a metal object with a thin layer of another metal (e.g., coating jewelry with gold).
• Production of Aluminum: Extracting aluminum from aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).
• Chlor-alkali Process: Electrolysis of sodium chloride (NaCl) solution to produce chlorine (Cl₂), hydrogen (H₂), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Electrolysis is an important process with many industrial applications. It is used to produce various metals and chemicals, as well as for surface treatment and energy storage.

For further information, you can refer to these resources:

• Britannica - Electrolysis
• Science - Electrolysis