Electrolysis Overview

Overview of Electrolysis

• Electrolysis is a process of chemical decomposition of a substance using an electric current.
• It involves the transfer of ions between two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, immersed in an electrolyte.

Types of Electrolysis

• Galvanic Electrolysis: Spontaneous reaction, where a chemical reaction generates an electric current (e.g., battery).
• Electrolytic Electrolysis: Non-spontaneous reaction, where an electric current drives a chemical reaction (e.g., electrolysis of water).

Electrolysis Process

• Anode:
  • Oxidation reaction occurs (loss of electrons)
  • Species is oxidized (e.g., Cl- → Cl2)
• Cathode:
  • Reduction reaction occurs (gain of electrons)
  • Species is reduced (e.g., H+ → H2)

Applications of Electrolysis

• Extraction of metals: Electrolysis is used to extract metals from their ores, such as aluminum and copper.
• Production of chemicals: Electrolysis is used to produce chemicals like chlorine, oxygen, and hydrogen.
• Electroplating: Electrolysis is used to deposit a thin layer of a metal onto another metal, such as chrome plating.

Factors Affecting Electrolysis

• Voltage: Increasing voltage increases the rate of electrolysis.
• Current: Increasing current increases the rate of electrolysis.
• Concentration of electrolyte: Increasing concentration of electrolyte increases the rate of electrolysis.
• Temperature: Increasing temperature increases the rate of electrolysis.