Electrolysis

Electrolysis Process by which an electric current is

passed through a substance to cause a chemical change.

The chemical change is one in which the substance loses or gains an electron.

ElectrolysisThe process uses an apparatus consisting of

positive and negative electrodes which are separated from each other in a solution.

Electric current enters through the negatively charged electrode (cathode).

Positively charged parts of the solution travel to the cathode, combine with the electrons, and are transformed into neutral molecules.

The negatively charged parts of the solution travel to the positive electrode (anode), give up electrons, and are transformed into neutral molecules.

Diagram of Electrolysis

Electrolysis Apparatus

Electrolysis of WaterWater is split with electricity to

produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

Electrolysis of Water

Electrolysis of Copper ChlorideCopper chloride is split with an electrical

current to produce copper and chlorine gas.During electrolysis, copper loses electrons,

has an overall positive charge, and becomes a cation, which is attracted to the cathode or negative electrode.

Chlorine gains electrons, has an overall negative charge, and becomes an anion, which is attracted to the anode or positive electrode.

Electrolysis of Copper Chloride