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Electrolysis is a powerful technique used to break down a substance by electricity. Electrolysis only occurs when an ionic substance is molten or is in a solution. This liquid substance is called an electrolyte.
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BACKGROUND:- Electrolysis is a powerful technique used to break down a substance by electricity. Electrolysis only occurs when an ionic substance is molten or is in a solution. This liquid substance is called an electrolyte. Electrolytes are made up of ions. They are molten or in a solution so that the ions are free to move. The ions present are attracted to the electrode with the opposite charge: * Positive ions are attracted to the cathode (negative electrode). * Negative ions are attracted to the anode (positive electrode). As this is happening, a redox reaction is taking place. A redox reaction is when oxidation and reduction happen simultaneously. When a substance is oxidised it loses electrons, when a substance is reduced it gains electrons. * At the anode, the negative ions lose electrons and are oxidised. * At the cathode, the positive ions gain electrons and are reduced. In the experiment, sulphuric acid was added to the water...
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