Is electrolysis a chemical change?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking whether electrolysis constitutes a chemical change. Electrolysis is a process that involves the breaking down of a compound into its components through the use of electricity, which indicates a chemical change due to the formation of new substances.

More Information

Electrolysis involves the use of an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, such as the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen gas.

Tips

A common mistake is confusing chemical changes with physical changes. Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances.

Sources

• Electrolysis | Definition, Uses, & Facts - Britannica - britannica.com
• Are the changes produced by electrolysis chemical or physical in nature? - Socratic - socratic.org
• Electrolysis - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org