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Understanding Electrolysis: A Simple Guide

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Max Mottram

30/11/2025

Chemistry

Electrolysis

125

30 Nov 2025

1 page

Understanding Electrolysis: A Simple Guide

user profile picture

Max Mottram

@maxmottram_jtlt

Ever wondered how we can split compounds apart using just... Show more

Electrolysis
An ionic solid can't be electrolysed
because the irons are fixed in posi-
tions and can't move. Molten lonic
compounds can be e

Understanding Electrolysis

Electrolysis means "splitting up with electricity," and it's actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. You need an electrolyte (a liquid or solution containing ions) because the ions must be free to move around and carry electrical charge.

Here's the key thing to remember: ionic solids can't be electrolysed because their ions are stuck in fixed positions. But when you melt them or dissolve them in water, the ions become mobile and can carry charge around the circuit.

The setup involves two electrodes - a negative cathode and a positive anode - connected to a power supply. Positive ions (cations) always head to the negative cathode, whilst negative ions (anions) zoom towards the positive anode.

Quick Memory Trick: Remember "OIL RIG" - Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons). This will save you in every chemistry exam!

At each electrode, specific reactions happen. Reduction (gaining electrons) occurs at the cathode, forming metals like lead from lead ions. Oxidation (losing electrons) happens at the anode, often producing gases like bromine or oxygen.



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Chemistry

125

30 Nov 2025

1 page

Understanding Electrolysis: A Simple Guide

user profile picture

Max Mottram

@maxmottram_jtlt

Ever wondered how we can split compounds apart using just electricity? Electrolysis is basically using electrical energy to break down ionic compounds - and it's the process behind everything from making pure metals to charging your phone battery!

Electrolysis
An ionic solid can't be electrolysed
because the irons are fixed in posi-
tions and can't move. Molten lonic
compounds can be e

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Understanding Electrolysis

Electrolysis means "splitting up with electricity," and it's actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. You need an electrolyte (a liquid or solution containing ions) because the ions must be free to move around and carry electrical charge.

Here's the key thing to remember: ionic solids can't be electrolysed because their ions are stuck in fixed positions. But when you melt them or dissolve them in water, the ions become mobile and can carry charge around the circuit.

The setup involves two electrodes - a negative cathode and a positive anode - connected to a power supply. Positive ions (cations) always head to the negative cathode, whilst negative ions (anions) zoom towards the positive anode.

Quick Memory Trick: Remember "OIL RIG" - Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons). This will save you in every chemistry exam!

At each electrode, specific reactions happen. Reduction (gaining electrons) occurs at the cathode, forming metals like lead from lead ions. Oxidation (losing electrons) happens at the anode, often producing gases like bromine or oxygen.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user