Answer:
An electric current is used to decompose a substance.
Explanation:
Concept tested: Electrolysis
We can answer the question by asking ourselves important questions
First; What is electrolysis?
- Electrolysis refers to the process through which molten or aqueous compound known as electrolytes are decomposed by passing electric current through them.
Second; What are electrolytes?
- Electrolytes are substances in either molten or aqueous form and are good conductors of electric current.
- Electrolytes are good conductors of electric current due to the presence of mobile ions.
Third: What happens during electrolysis?
- Electrolytes are therefore decomposed by passing electric current through them resulting to formation of new elements or molecules.
- For example, when molten sodium chloride is decomposed by passing electric current through it, sodium metal is released at the cathode while chlorine is released at the anode.
