Electrolysis
Electrolysis (pronunciation: /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɒlɪsɪs/) is a process that uses an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. This term was coined by Michael Faraday in the 19th century, from the Greek words elektro (electricity) and lysis (loosening).
Etymology
The term "Electrolysis" comes from the Greek words elektro, meaning electricity, and lysis, meaning loosening. It was first used by Michael Faraday in 1834 during his studies on electrochemistry.
Process
Electrolysis involves the breaking down of certain types of substances using electricity. An electrolyte, such as a salt dissolved in water, is placed between two electrodes. When an electric current is passed through the electrolyte, the ions in the electrolyte move towards the electrodes, where they react, and the compound is decomposed.
Applications
Electrolysis has many practical and industrial applications. For example, it is used in electroplating, which is the process of coating an object with a thin layer of metal. Electrolysis is also used in the mining industry to separate metals from their ores. In the field of medicine, electrolysis is used for hair removal and the removal of skin blemishes.
Related Terms
- Electrolyte: A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent.
- Electrode: A conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an object, substance, or region.
- Electroplating: The process of depositing a layer of any desired metal on another material by means of electricity.
- Electrochemistry: The branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical changes produced by electricity and the production of electricity by chemical changes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Electrolysis
- Wikipedia's article - Electrolysis
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