Electrolysis

Electrolysis – the passing of a direct current through a conducting solution or liquid and the resultant decomposition of the electrolyte. It uses electricity from a power source in order to cause a chemical reaction (redox). It will force the oxidation or reduction of substances that are high in reactivity that do not naturally oxidise or reduce using normal chemical processes.

• Cations are attracted to the cathode and are discharged (converted to a new substance)
• Anions are attracted to the anode and are discharged
• The electrolyte is decomposed
• The electrodes are usually made of graphite or a completely unreactive metal (g. platinum)