Explain Electrolysis & Its Uses
What is electolysis? What is the use of it?
Explain Electrolysis & Its Uses
ELECTROLYSIS is defined as a process of decomposing ionic compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric current through the compound in a fluid form. The cations are reduced at the cathode, and anions are oxidized at the anode.
The main components that are required to conduct electrolysis are an electrolyte, electrodes, and some form of external power source is also needed. Additionally, a partition, such as an ion-exchange membrane or a salt bridge, is also used, but this is optional. They are used mainly to keep the products from diffusing near the opposite electrode.
Acidified or salt-containing water can be decomposed by passing an electric current to its original elements, hydrogen and oxygen. Molten sodium chloride can be decomposed into sodium and chlorine atoms.
Electrolysis is usually done in a vessel named ‘electrolytic cell’ containing two electrodes (cathode and anode), connected to a direct current source and an electrolyte, which is an ionic compound undergoing decomposition, in either molten form or in a dissolved state in a suitable solvent. Generally, electrodes that are made from metal, graphite, and semiconductor materials are used. However, the choice of a suitable electrode is made based on the chemical reactivity between the electrode and electrolyte as well as the manufacturing cost.
Electrolysis finds many applications, both in experimental and industrial products. Some of the important ones are given below:
1) Determination of equivalent weight of substances.
2) Metallurgy of alkali and alkaline earth metals.
3) Purification of metals.
4) Manufacture of pure gases.
5) Manufacture of compounds like sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium chlorate, etc.
6) Electroplating for corrosion resistance, ornaments, etc.
– Written By Darsana Ps
Responses