What Is Electrolytic?

The decomposition of water when electrical current is applied can be explained with electrolytic theory.

Electrolytic refers to separation and migration of hydrogen and oxygen when electrical current is applied to water. The decomposition of water in the presence of electricity results when the hydrogen moves to the negative electrode and oxygen moves to the positive electrode.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the electrolytic process. The electrolytic theory helped scientists understand the most basic quality of atomism. The transfer of material at a molecular level was noted. The ability of molecules to exchange material with and without the presence of external electrical influences was discovered as a result.

Electrolytic Dissociation

Electrolytes are substances such as bases, acids and salts, that conduct electricity when dissolved in solvents including water. Electrolytic dissociation theory explains that electrolytes separate as oppositely charged ions to a degree determined by the overall concentration and nature of the ion.

Uses of Electrolytic Theory

Electrolytic processes falls within the field of electrochemistry. Electrochemistry studies the reactions of chemicals to electricity. By understanding the electrolytic process such technologies as electroplating, electrochemical cells and common batteries have been possible.

References

• University of Pavia: In the Wake of Volta's Challenge

Resources

• Colgur Chemistry: Electrolytic Cells (ELC's)