Electrolysis is the decomposition of electrolyteAn electrolyte is a substance that dissociates in water into charged particles called ions. Positively charged ions are called cations. Negatively charged ions are called anions. Simply, an electrolyte is a... More in liquid or its molten state into its components by the passage of electricity through it.
An electrolyte is a liquid or molten substance which allows passage of current through it and decomposes during the process.
Liquids such as acid, bases and salts are good conductors and are also good electrolytes while kerosene, benzene, petrol are poor electrolytes.
Electrodes are the conductors through which current enters or leaves an electrolyte.
The current enters through the positive terminal called the anodeAn anode is an electrode of a polarized electrical device through which conventional current enters the device. It is the positive part of electrolytes where oxidation takes place. More while it leaves through the negative terminal called the cathodeA cathode is the electrode from which a conventional current leaves the electrolyte. It is the negative part of the cell where reduction takes place. More.
Ions are groups of electrons that have excess electrons or deficient electrons. They are divided into two namely;
- CationsCations are positively charged ions (atoms or groups of atoms that have more protons than electrons due to having lost one or more electrons). Cations are attracted to negatively charged electrodes... More: these ions carry positive sign, and are always attracted to the cathode.
- Anions: these ions carry negative sign, and are attracted to the positive anode.
A voltameter is a device or apparatus that contains the electrodes and electrolytes for carrying out electrolysis.
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