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We have learned in our science class that a matter is made up of very tiny particles referred to as atoms. When two or more atoms are chemically bonded together, they form molecules. Molecules then form elements, which compose compounds. Compounds can be broken down into a simpler form upon exposure to electricity and heat. The process is referred to as electrolysis. Scientist Michael Faraday is credited for discovering this process. In 1832, he came up with two laws of electrolysis that have become pillar of scientific knowledge on this process.
First law of electrolysis
Quantity of elements separated by passing an electrical current through a molten or dissolved salt is proportional to the quantity of electric charge passed through the circuit.
Second law of electrolysis
Mass of the resulting separated elements is directly proportional to the atomic masses of the elements when an appropriate integral divisor is applied. This provided strong evidence that discrete particles of matter exist as parts of the atoms of elements.
Another pioneer in electrochemistry is Faraday's mentor, Sir Humphry Davy. He tapped electric batter in separating salts, which is now referred to as electrolysis. Davy also separated sodium, potassium, calcium, barium, magnesium, and strontium. Paul Hroult is another mind who greatly contributed to research on electrolysis, after inventing aluminum electrolysis.
Uses Of Electrolysis
Electrolysis is practice that is steadily growing in popularity. Many new applications are also being developed and that are supported by electrolysis. Most industrialized countries make use of the process of electrolysis. A lot of factories have dedicated their research and application of water electrolysis. Electrolysis likewise is used in the manufacture of important elements such as sodium, aluminum, lithium, aspirin, and potassium. Other products that are manufactured through the help of water electrolysis procedure are fuel cells and hydrogen cars.
Electrolysis Of Water
The process of splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen is called water electrolysis. Hydrogen is an element discovered as hydrogen gas, and was originally artificially produced. It is considered the most abundant of the elements in the universe. Its atomic mass is one. Hydrogen has three isotopes, all naturally occurring. Hydrogen gas is considered highly flammable.
On the other hand, oxygen is a type of gas with atomic mass of 15.994. Oxygen has 17 isotopes. It was first described by Polish alchemist and philosopher Micha Sdziwj. Antonie Lavoisier then coined the term "oxygen".
Water electrolysis also results to the development of chlorine. Chlorine is used in killing bacteria in pools. Experiments have been made using electrolysis in the production of chlorine gas.
Creation of hydrogen is also made possible through electrolysis. Hydrogen can be tapped as fuel in some instances. Creation of more hydrogen results to cheaper alternatives of fuel. Electrolysis is also harnessed in many industrial purposes.
Electrolysis has provided benefits particularly in hydrogen production. There's little doubt it will continue to influence the industrial world.
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