Electrolysis

noun (uncountable)

/ɪˌlɛkˈtrɒlɪsɪs/

The process of using an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction — specifically, the decomposition of an electrolyte (ionic compound in molten or aqueous form) by passing direct current through it, causing positive ions (cations) to migrate to the cathode and negative ions (anions) to migrate to the anode, where they undergo reduction and oxidation respectively.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

India's pursuit of net-zero hinges substantially on green hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable power, a pathway that could decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as steel and fertilisers while reducing the import dependence that burdens the current account.

Synonyms

electrolytic decompositionelectrochemical decompositionionisationdissociationdecomposition

Antonyms

electrolytic synthesiselectrodepositionelectroplatingrecombination

🌱 Word Family

electrolyse (v), electrolyte (n), electrolytic (adj), electrolytically (adv), electrolysis (n)

🔡 Root

Greek ēlektron = amber (source of static electricity) + lysis = loosening, breaking apart; coined by Faraday 1830s

📜 Etymology

From Greek ēlektron (ἤλεκτρον, "amber" — from which static electricity was first observed) + lysis (λύσις, "loosening, breaking apart"); coined by Michael Faraday in the 1830s during his groundbreaking experiments on the relationship between electricity and chemical change.

🧠 Memory Hook

"Electro + lysis" = electricity that loosens (Greek lysis = "loosening"). Picture an electric current "lysing" (splitting) water apart into bubbles of gas — the current loosens the molecular bonds.

⚗️ General Science 📖 Seen in: Electrochemistry & Batteries — Electro...

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