Electrolysis Vocabulary

Front

What is electrolysis?

Back

The chemical decomposition of a substance, produced by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution containing ions.

Front

What is an electrolyte?

Back

A substance that is molten (liquid) or in solution (aqueous), that allows electricity to pass through it. The electricity causes the electrolyte to decompose.

Front

What are electrodes?

Back

Rods that are inserted into the electrolyte.

Front

What materials are electrodes usually made of?

Back

Electrodes are usually made of unreactive substances (inert) like graphite (a form of carbon) and platinum (a precious metal).

Front

How many electrodes are used in electrolysis?

Back

Two electrodes are used in electrolysis.

Front

cathode

Back

the negative electrode

Front

anode

Back

the positive electrode

Front

cation

Back

positive ion

Front

anion

Back

negative ion

Front

attracted to the cathode

Back

cations