electrolysis

• | electrolysis

  • splitting up with electricity
  • electric current is passed through an electrolyte
  • electrolyte is a molten ionic compound
  • positive ions move to CATHODE & GAIN electrons (they’re reduced)
  • negative ions move to ANODE & LOSE electrons (oxidised)
  • this creates a FLOW OF CHARGE through the electrolyte as ions travel to the electrodes
  • as ions gain/lose electrons, they form the uncharged element & are discharged from the electrolytes
• electrolyte is a liquid that conducts electricity
• electrode is a solid that conducts electricity & is submerged in the electrolyte