The breakdown and chemical transformation of an element under the influence of any electric current is known as electrolysis. Sir Humphrey Davey performed the first electrolysis in the year 1808. Both galvanic and electrolytic cells are capable of experiencing electrolysis. We shall focus on electrolytic cells in particular in this essay.
Through the application of an electric current, the process of electrolysis can modify a substance's chemical composition. Ionic chemicals include charged particles known as ions. The electrolysis procedure cannot begin until they are unrestricted in their movements.
The ions are liberated when an ionic material is dissolved in water.
Two electrodes are positioned in the solution and an electrical current is run between them during the electrolysis process.
Anode refers to the electrode linked to the positive terminal of the power source, whereas cathode refers to the electrode attached to the negative terminal.
This occurs as a result of the ions in the material moving towards the electrodes as a result of the electric current.
As a result, the compounds in the solution break down as the current passes through it.
The cathode receives positively charged ions, whereas the anode receives negatively charged ions.
The ions either form new molecules or break apart into their component components when they come into contact with the electrodes, depending on whether they gain or lose electrons. The manufacture of metals like aluminium and copper, the purification of chemicals, and the creation of hydrogen gas are just a few of the businesses that employ electrolysis.
An electrochemical cell is a device that is used to create electrical energy through the chemical reactions which are involved in it. The electrical energy supplied to electrochemical cells is used to smooth the chemical reactions. In the electrochemical cell, the involved devices have the ability to convert the chemical energy to electrical energy or vice-versa.