Electrolysis

• What is electrolysis?

  Electrolysis is the process by which ionic (metal +non metal) substances are broken down into simpler substances using electricity.
• • The positive ion moves towards the negative electrode (Cathode)
  • The negative ions move towards the positive electrode (Anode) *Remember PANIC*
  • PA- Positive Anode
  • NIC- Negaive is Cathode
• *Remember OILRIG*

  OIL- Oxidation is lost

  RIG- Reduction is gained
• How does electrolysis take place?

  For electrolysis to work, the ions must be free to move when an ionic substance is dissolved in water or molten (melted). We call the liquid in which the electricity travels and the ions move, the electrolyte. For example, if electricity is passed through copper chloride(electrolyte), the copper is broken down to form copper metal and chlorine gas.