electrolysis

Introduction

CE5

Electrolysis: In a typical reaction electrodes are placed in a solution of hydrogen chloride, HCl, which contains both hydrogen and chlorine ions. The battery removes electrons from the anode, making it positive and causing it to attract chlorine ions, Cl⁻, which combine and are liberated as chlorine gas, Cl₂. The battery supplies electrons to the cathode, making it negative and causing it to attract hydrogen ions, H⁺, which evolve as hydrogen gas, H₂, at the cathode.

electrolysis ĭlĕktrŏlˈəsĭs [key], passage of an electric current through a conducting solution or molten salt that is decomposed in the process.

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Electric Cells
Electroplating
Commercial Applications of Electrolysis
The Electrolytic Process

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