The process that uses electricity to decompose chemical compounds/prepare new chemical compounds
The process that uses electricity to decompose chemical compounds or prepare new compounds is called electrolysis. Electrolysis is a chemical reaction triggered by an electric current passing through an electrolyte, which is typically a liquid or a molten compound.
To perform electrolysis, you will need a few key components:
1. Electrolyte: This is the substance that undergoes the chemical changes during electrolysis. It can be a liquid, such as water with dissolved ions, or a molten compound with free-moving ions.
2. Electrodes: These are conductive materials that serve as the contact points for the electric current. There are two types of electrodes: the anode (positive electrode) and the cathode (negative electrode).
3. Power source: You will need a direct current (DC) power source, such as a battery or a power supply, to provide the electric current for the electrolysis process.
The steps involved in electrolysis are as follows:
1. Set up the electrolytic cell: Fill a container with the electrolyte solution or molten compound and place the electrodes into the solution, ensuring that they do not touch each other.
2. Connect the power source: Connect the positive terminal of the power source to the anode and the negative terminal to the cathode.
3. Electrical current flows: When the power source is turned on, an electric current flows through the electrolyte between the electrodes.
4. Electrolysis occurs: As the electric current passes through the electrolyte, chemical reactions take place at each electrode. At the anode, a process called oxidation occurs, where negatively charged ions or atoms lose electrons and form new compounds. At the cathode, a process called reduction occurs, where positively charged ions gain electrons and form new compounds.
The overall result of electrolysis is the decomposition of the electrolyte or the formation of new chemical compounds, depending on the specific conditions and substances involved.
It's important to note that the specific reactions and compounds formed during electrolysis depend on the nature of the electrolyte and the electrodes used. Electrical energy is converted into chemical energy during electrolysis, making it a useful process in various industries, such as electroplating, metal refining, and production of certain chemicals.