Electrolysis of molten salts
The liquid or solution that conducts electricity and is decomposed by it. are ionic compounds that are:
- in the molten state (heated so they become liquids), or
- dissolved in water
Under these conditions, the ions in electrolytes are free to move within the liquid or solution.
Is the decomposition of a liquid electrolyte using a direct current of electricity. is a process in which electrical energy, from a direct current (dc) supply, breaks down electrolytes. The free moving ions in electrolytes are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes which connect to the dc supply.
Electrodes and ions
The negatively charged electrode is called theNegatively charged electrode.. Positively charged ions move towards the cathode.
The positively charged electrode is called the Positively charged electrode.. Negatively charged ions move towards the anode.
Graphite electrodes are Unreactive. electrodes because they do not take part in the electrolysis reactions. Instead, they provide a surface on which these reactions can happen.