Question
What is the scientific name for the decomposition of a liquid by passing an electric current through it?
Answer
4.7
(183 Votes)
Yasmin
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
Electrolysis.
Explanation
The scientific name for the decomposition of a liquid by passing an electric current through it is called electrolysis. Electrolysis is a method that uses a direct electric current (DC) to prompt an otherwise odd chemical reaction. In other words, it facilitates the breaking down of complex substances into simpler compounds by breaking their molecular bonds. This concept is applied in many everyday systems such as the charging and discharging of batteries, electroplating, metal processing, waste water treatment and so on. Electrolysis is widely used for the extraction of metals from their ores. For instance, Sodium Chloride melts at very high temperatures, so it is mixed with Calcium Chloride to lower its melting point. This mixture (known as brine) is separated by passing electricity through it (electrolysed) and the overall process is called Electrolysis.