Electrolysis

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Electrolysis Noun

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[eh-lek-trol-uh-sis]

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Electrolysis

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The process of using electrical energy to cause a nonspontaneous chemical reaction to occur.

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Example: An external power source drives a chemical reaction, causing positive ions (cations) to move to the negative electrode (cathode) and negative ions (anions) to the positive electrode (anode).

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Electrolytic cell Noun

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[eh-lek-tro-lit-ik sel]

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Electrolytic cell

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An electrochemical cell where an external power source is used to drive a nonspontaneous redox reaction.

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Example: This diagram shows an electrolytic cell where a voltage source drives a reaction, causing silver ions (Ag+) to coat a spoon (the cathode).

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Voltaic cell Noun

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[vol-tey-ik sel]

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Voltaic cell

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An electrochemical cell that generates electrical energy from a spontaneous redox reaction.

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Example: This diagram shows a voltaic cell, where two different metals in solutions are connected by a salt bridge to generate electricity, measured by a voltmeter.

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Anode Noun

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[an-ohd]

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Anode

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The electrode at which oxidation occurs; in an electrolytic cell, it is the positive terminal.

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Example: In electrolysis, the anode is the positive electrode that attracts negative ions and is where electrons leave the electrolyte to enter the external circuit.

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Cathode Noun

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[kath-ohd]

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Cathode

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The electrode at which reduction occurs; in an electrolytic cell, it is the negative terminal.

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Example: In electrolysis, the cathode is the negative electrode that attracts positive ions (cations) and receives electrons from the external circuit to cause reduction.

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Electrolyte Noun

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[eh-lek-tro-lyt]

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Electrolyte

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A substance whose ions are free to move and can conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water.

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Example: An electrolyte is a compound that separates into positive (cations) and negative (anions) ions when dissolved in water, creating a solution that can conduct electricity.

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Down's cell Noun

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[dounz sel]

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Down's cell

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An electrolytic cell used for the industrial production of sodium metal and chlorine gas from molten sodium chloride.

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Example: This diagram shows a Down's cell, where electricity separates molten salt (NaCl) into liquid sodium metal and chlorine gas using an anode and cathode.

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Brine Noun

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[brahyn]

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Brine

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A common term for a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) used in electrolysis.

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Example: This diagram shows the laboratory setup for electrolysis, where electricity is passed through brine (a salt solution) to break it down into new substances.

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Hall-Héroult process Noun

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[hawl-hey-roo pro-ses]

Back

Hall-Héroult process

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The industrial process for producing aluminum metal through the electrolysis of aluminum oxide.

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Example: This diagram shows an electrolytic cell used to produce aluminum. Electricity passes through carbon anodes and a cryolite electrolyte, creating liquid aluminum at the bottom.

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Electroplating Noun

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[eh-lek-tro-pleyt-ing]

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Electroplating

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The process of depositing a thin, uniform coating of a metal onto an object using an electrolytic cell.

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Example: An electric current causes silver ions (Ag+) from the silver anode to move through a solution and deposit a thin layer onto the spoon (cathode).