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electrolysis, process by which electric current is passed through a substance to effect a chemical change. The chemical change is one in which the substance loses or gains an electron (oxidation or reduction). The process is carried out in an electrolytic cell, an apparatus consisting of positive and negative electrodes held apart and dipped into a solution containing positively and negatively charged ions. The substance to be transformed may form the electrode, may constitute the solution, or may be dissolved in the solution. Electric current (i.e., electrons) enters through the negatively charged electrode (cathode); components of the solution travel to this electrode, combine with the electrons, and are transformed (reduced). The products can be neutral elements or new molecules. Components of the solution also travel to the other electrode (anode), give up their electrons, and are transformed (oxidized) to neutral elements or new molecules. If the substance to be transformed is the electrode, the reaction is often one in which the electrode dissolves by giving up electrons.
Electrolysis is used extensively in metallurgical processes, such as in extraction (electrowinning) or purification (electrorefining) of metals from ores or compounds and in deposition of metals from solution (electroplating). Metallic sodium and chlorine gas are produced by the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride; electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride yields sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas. Hydrogen and oxygen are produced by the electrolysis of water.
Britannica Quiz
Types of Chemical Reactions
FAQs
electrolysis, process by which electric current is passed through a substance to effect a chemical change. The chemical change is one in which the substance loses or gains an electron (oxidation or reduction).
What are the uses of electrolysis? ›
Electrolysis has wide applications in industries. Some of the important applications are, as follows, (i) Production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water. (ii) Manufacture of heavy water. (iii) The metals like K, Mg, Al, etc., are obtained by electrolysis of fused electrolytes.
What are some examples of electrolysis? ›
A familiar example of electrolysis is recharging a battery, which involves use of an external power source to drive the spontaneous (discharge) cell reaction in the reverse direction, restoring to some extent the composition of the half-cells and the voltage of the battery.
What is the daily application of electrolysis? ›
Electrolysis is one of those processes which are widely used in the metal industry. Whether it's the extraction of metals from their ores, purification of metals, or electroplating of metals; all these applications involve electrolysis. Moreover, it is extensively used for manufacturing industrial chemicals like brine.
What are some interesting facts about electrolysis? ›
Electrolysis - Fast Facts
- The results of electrolysis are permanent because of hair follicle destruction.
- Electrolysis is performed by inserting a very fine probe into the hair follicle & creating a heat sensation at the base of the follicle.
Electrolysis is not used in making leathers and making plastics.
How is electrolysis useful to humans? ›
In short, electrolysis is used to separate water into its component parts: hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen can then be used as a fuel source in electric cars and other energy storage devices, reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.
How is electrolysis used today? ›
While you might have known about it as a hair removal method, there's much more to it. Whether it's metal extraction or water treatment, electrolysis has a wide range of uses. Its most beneficial application for the environment is the production of hydrogen gas that can fuel eco-friendly fuel cells.
Which is a common application of electrolysis? ›
The main application of electrolysis are: Electrorefining. Electroplating. Extraction of metals.
What remains after electrolysis? ›
If it is possible to perform electrolysis of pure water up to the last drop, nothing remains entire water is converted to hydrogen and oxygen.
Some applications of electrolysis are: (A)Production of heavy water. (B)Extraction of metals by electrolysis of fused electrolytes.
What industries use electrolysis? ›
This process can be used to give an object a decorative finish, protect the object from corrosion, or give an object new material properties. Electroplating is used in the creation of jewelry, kitchen utensils, automotive parts, and components in electrical circuits.
What metal do you use for electrolysis? ›
Iron and Steel are most commonly used for the electrolysis of water. They are used as anodes, but they are sacrificed during electrolysis, as the anodes rust (get oxidized) and the cathodes de-rust (get reduced).
What is a downside to electrolysis? ›
Electrolysis Cons
It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful. It is not recommended for people with rosacea since the skin is so easily irritated.
What is the main disadvantage of electrolysis? ›
Also, electrolysis works with the widest range of skin and hair types. It's good for sensitive areas of the body, like the face or bikini line. The main disadvantage to electrolysis is the length of time needed to achieve permanent hair removal.
What is the problem with electrolysis? ›
Skin Reaction- Redness, Swelling, Scabs, Infection, Scarring - Hair removal by electrolysis does cause minor redness, swelling, dryness, blisters or even scab formation in the skin immediately after treatment, depending on the skin sensitivity, quality of equipment used, strength of current used (high currents have a ...
What are the reasons for using electrolysis? ›
The purpose of using electrolysis in metal extraction is to separate metal ions from a solution or molten substance and deposit them as pure metal at the electrodes. Electrolysis is particularly useful for extracting metals that cannot be obtained through reduction or smelting, such as aluminum and magnesium.
What is the main advantage of electrolysis? ›
If you have extra or unwanted hair growth, electrolysis can provide permanent hair removal. It's safe to use for facial hair removal and on the rest of body. During your sessions, a trained electrologist removes the hair with an electric current. The procedure is not painful and has no long-lasting side effects.
How is electrolysis of water used in everyday life? ›
Real World Science: Water electrolysis can be used as a form of renewable energy to provide many benefits. Hydrogen produced in this reaction can be stored in fuel cells and serve as electricity, decreasing CO2 emissions and excess energy generated by solar power or wind turbines.
