rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryelectrolysisChemical change
noun

electrolysis

ih-lek-TRAH-luh-sis/ɪˌlekˈtrɑːləsɪs/

The use of electric current to cause a chemical change.

Electric current drives the electrolysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen.

A working water-electrolysis apparatus: a battery drives two electrodes submerged in water, with bubbles collecting in separate inverted tubes and approximately twice as much gas collected at the negative electrode.
Etymology
electroEnglishelectricity
+lysisGreekloosening

The pieces express a loosening by electricity. Here, loosening means chemical decomposition: an electric current breaks a substance apart into constituent parts.

In context

DW Documentary25:46
One way to make Hydrogen is via electrolysis, a process which uses an electric current to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Global renewables: Pioneering the energy transition | DW Documentary

More examples

  • The plant extracts aluminum from molten aluminum oxide by electrolysis.
  • During electrolysis, copper builds up on one of the electrodes.
  • Electrolysis requires a power source and a substance that conducts electricity.

Forms

electrolytic adjective — Relating to chemical changes caused by electricity.

electrolyze verb — To cause chemical change using electric current.

Similar words

decomposition
Specifically means breaking substances apart, without requiring electric current.