electrólisis

Electrólisis is a process that uses an electric current to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It involves passing a direct electric current through an electrolyte, which is a substance containing free ions. These ions are then attracted to electrodes, which are conductors through which electricity enters or leaves the electrolyte. The electrode connected to the positive terminal of the power source is called the anode, and it attracts negatively charged ions (anions). The electrode connected to the negative terminal is called the cathode, and it attracts positively charged ions (cations).

At the anode, anions lose electrons in a process called oxidation, while at the cathode, cations gain electrons in a process called reduction. This transfer of electrons results in the decomposition of the electrolyte or the deposition of a substance onto the electrode. For example, in the electrolysis of water, water molecules are broken down into hydrogen gas at the cathode and oxygen gas at the anode. Electrolysis is a crucial industrial process used in refining metals like aluminum and copper, as well as in electroplating objects with a thin layer of metal. It also plays a role in various chemical syntheses and in the production of important chemicals like chlorine and sodium hydroxide.