Understanding The Electrolysis Process

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What is Electrolysis? Electrolysis is a chemical change brought about by the passing of an electric current through a solution or melt. It is also used to produce alkalis and elements such as chlorine and hydrogen. The process involves the addition (oxidation) or subtraction (reduction) of ions in elements. The electric current motions the ions to proceed onto the electrodes. For example, the cations (positive ions) move to the negative electrode (cathode) and the positive electrode (anode) will receive the negative ions (anions). This process, both regular and vise-versa can only be done with the use of an electrolytic cell. The Electrolysis process contains many different components that make this possible. Each and every component is necessary and each plays a certain role. Understanding what each is and what each does is critical in being able to comprehend the Electrolysis process. To be able to use the electrolysis process, one must be able to fully understand half equations. One must be able to write such equations to show what exactly happens during electrolysis. Electrolysis is a very complex process which in turn nurtures the fact that we have to study in order to understand every little detail.
First to completely understand the electrolysis process, one must start from the basics, electrons. Electrons play a big role in the electrolysis progression. They are in every step along the way, and knowing what they do and how they work will help a considerable amount in understanding this very complicated process. Electrons, by definition, are negatively charged particles found in the atom. Neutrons and protons inside the atom accompany them. Electrons are extremely small, and by combining all of them, they give off a nega...

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...s and each serves an important and specific purpose. Knowing the difference between the two is essential to full comprehend the electrolytic stages. The cathode and the anode are completely and utterly opposite. Yes, they are similar in what they ultimately do, but it is just that they do the exact opposite from each other. Without the contribution of each one of the electrodes this process would fail miserably. One must also understand the most fundamental of chemistry, the electron. Without the electron none of this would be possible. It is in every step along the way, and plays an important role elsewhere as well. Studying all of the details will give a person an excellent chance of learning and understanding such a complex process.

Works Cited

"Electrolysis." - Chemwiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013.

"Electrolysis." Electrolysis. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013

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