(a) Electrolysis: the chemical decomposition of an electrolyte (in molten or aqueous solution) brought about by passing an electric current through it.
(b) Electrolyte: a compound which, when molten or dissolved in water, conducts electricity and is chemically decomposed by it (because it contains free-moving ions).
(c) Electrode: a conductor (rod or plate) through which the electric current enters or leaves the electrolyte. The one connected to the positive terminal is the anode; the one connected to the negative terminal is the cathode.
(a) Electrolysis: the chemical decomposition of an electrolyte (in molten or aqueous solution) brought about by passing an electric current through it.
(b) Electrolyte: a compound which, when molten or dissolved in water, conducts electricity and is chemically decomposed by it (because it contains free-moving ions).
(c) Electrode: a conductor (rod or plate) through which the electric current enters or leaves the electrolyte. The one connected to the positive terminal is the anode; the one connected to the negative terminal is the cathode.