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  1. Glossary
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Electrolysis

What is Electrolysis?

In short

Electrolysis is the breaking down of an ionic compound, molten or dissolved, by passing an electric current through it.

In simple words

The current flows through two electrodes. Positive ions move to the cathode (negative) and gain electrons, which is reduction. Negative ions move to the anode (positive) and lose electrons, which is oxidation. Faraday's laws say that the mass of a substance made is proportional to the charge passed. The amount of substance is n=QzFn = \dfrac{Q}{zF}n=zFQ​, with F=96 485 C/molF = 96\,485\ \text{C/mol}F=96485 C/mol.

Example

Molten sodium chloride gives sodium metal at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode. A charge of 96 485 C96\,485\ \text{C}96485 C deposits 1 mol1\ \text{mol}1 mol of sodium.

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Related terms

  • Oxidation and Reduction (Redox)
  • Chlor-Alkali Process

← All glossary terms

Learn it in

  1. Conductance of Electrolytic SolutionsClass 11 to 12
  2. Electrolysis, Batteries and CorrosionClass 11 to 12
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Practise

  1. A hydrogen and oxygen fuel cell delivers a steady 7.5 A at 0.62 V for 3.0 hours…Hard
  2. A buried iron pipe corrodes. An average current of 28 mA leaves it for a whole year of…Medium
A torch draws 0.38 A from a dry cell for 20 hours…Medium
  • A lead storage battery is rated at 50 A h…Easy
    • All problems on this topic →

    Quick questions

    1. Statement I: in electroplating a spoon with silver, the spoon is made the anode.…Medium
    2. A hydrogen and oxygen fuel cell supplies 0.640 A for 3.5 hours. What mass of oxygen is…Hard
    3. A drop of water with dissolved oxygen sits on an iron sheet and rust forms. Which…Medium

    More Chemistry terms

    1. Acids, Bases and pH
    2. Alkane (Saturated Hydrocarbon)
    3. Allotrope
    4. Atom
    5. Bohr Model of the Atom
    6. Catalyst
    All Chemistry terms →

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