What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split compounds into their individual elements or simpler compounds. This technique involves passing an electric current through an electrolyte, which can be a liquid or a solution that conducts electricity. The electric current causes a chemical reaction at the electrodes, leading to the breakdown of the compound.

For example, when water (H₂O) undergoes electrolysis, it is separated into hydrogen and oxygen gas. This process is particularly important in applications such as the production of hydrogen fuel and in metal extraction from ores. The clarity of this definition emphasizes the role of electricity as the driving force behind the splitting, differentiating it clearly from other methods of compound separation.