Electrolysis is the process of a chemical reaction that occurs when an electric current is passed through a substance. When an electric current is passed throug...
Electrolysis is the process of a chemical reaction that occurs when an electric current is passed through a substance. When an electric current is passed through a substance, the atoms of the substance lose or gain electrons, which creates positive and negative ions. These ions then combine with ions of the opposite charge to form new substances.
The mechanism of electrolysis can be divided into two main steps:
Step 1: Oxidation:
In the first step of electrolysis, the atoms of the substance lose electrons and become positively charged ions. This process is called oxidation. For example, when an iron rod is placed in a solution of copper sulfate, the iron atoms lose electrons and become positively charged iron ions (Fe2+).
Step 2: Reduction:
In the second step of electrolysis, the atoms of the substance gain electrons and become negatively charged ions. This process is called reduction. For example, when a platinum wire is placed in a solution of silver nitrate, the platinum atoms gain electrons and become negatively charged silver ions (Ag-).
The overall reaction for electrolysis is:
Oxidation:
Fe(s) → Fe2+(aq)
Reduction:
Ag2+(aq) → 2Ag(s)
These two steps are repeated in a cycle, with the anode and cathode being alternately positive and negative charges. This process is responsible for the chemical changes that take place during electrolysis