RANI LAXMI BAI MEMORIAL SCHOOL
SARVODAYA NAGAR
Session : 2025 -26
Topic : Electrolysis
Name : Prince Yadav
Class : XII – B
Subject : Chemistry
Father’s Name : Mr. Amrendra Kumar
Teacher’s Name : Mrs. Uma Sharma
Board Roll Number :
Teacher’s sign –:
CERTIFICATE
This is here by to certify that Prince Yadav
student of class XII – B has successfully
carried out the investigatory project entitled
Electrolysis under the guidance of Mrs. Uma
Sharma for the academic year 2025-26.
All the work related to this project is done by
the candidate herself . The approach towards
the project has been sincere and scientific .
Teacher’s sign -: ____________
Examiner’s sign -: ____________
Principal ‘s sign-: ____________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To achieve the goal , cooperation of the other
brilliant sources , self determination as well as
hard work are the main factors .
At the outset I would like to express my
gratitude to my learned teacher who
equipped me with her tremendous
knowledge .
My special thanks to Mrs. Uma Sharma
ma’am , our chemistry teacher who has been
the regular source of inspiration for me to
work on the project and thankful to Mrs.
Ranjana Singh ma’am , principal , Rani Lami
Bai Memorial School Sarvodaya Nagar ,
Lucknow for allowing me to work on this
project .
TABLE OF CONTENT
What Is Electrolysis?
Electrolytic Process
Cell Potential or Voltage
Product of Electrolysis
Factors Affecting Electrolysis
Electrolysis Applications
. Conclusion
. Bibliography
What Is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is defined as a process of decomposing ionic
compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric
current through the compound in a fluid form. The cations
are reduced at the cathode, and anions are oxidized at the
anode. The main components that are required to conduct
electrolysis are an electrolyte, electrodes, and some form of
external power source is also needed. Additionally, a
partition, such as an ion-exchange membrane or a salt bridge,
is also used, but this is optional. Electrolysis is usually done in
a vessel named ‘electrolytic cell’ containing two electrodes
(cathode and anode), connected to a direct current source
and an electrolyte which is an ionic compound undergoing
decomposition, in either molten form or in a dissolves state
in a suitable solvent. Generally, electrodes that are made
from metal, graphite and semiconductor materials are used.
Electrolytic Process
In the process of electrolysis, there is an interchange of ions
and atoms due to the addition or removal of electrons from
the external circuit. Basically, on passing current, cations
move to the cathode, take electrons from the cathode (given
by the supply source battery), and are discharged into the
neutral atom. The neutral atom, if solid, is deposited on the
cathode and, if gas, moves upwards. This is a reduction
process, and the cation is reduced at the cathode. At the
same time, anions give up their extra electrons to the anode
and are oxidized to neutral atoms at the anode. Electrons
released by the anions travel across the electrical circuit and
reach the cathode completing the circuit. Electrolysis involves
a simultaneous oxidation reaction at the anode and a
reduction reaction at the cathode.
For example:
. Na+(in electrolyte) + e–(from cathode) → Na …. At Cathode
. Cl–(from electrolyte) → e– + Cl → Cl2 …. At Anode
Cell Potential or Voltage
The minimum potential needed for the electrolysis
process depends on the ability of the individual ions to
absorb or release electrons. It is also sometimes described
as decomposition potential or decomposition voltage which
is the minimum voltage (difference in electrode potential)
between the anode and cathode of an electrolytic cell that
enables electrolysis to occur.
The voltage at which electrolysis is thermodynamically
preferred is the difference of the electrode potentials, as
calculated using the Nernst equation. Applying additional
voltage, referred to as overpotential, can increase the rate of
reaction and is often needed above the thermodynamic
value. It is especially necessary for electrolysis reactions
involving gases such as oxygen, hydrogen or chlorine.
This ability is measured as an electrode potential of the ions
present in the electrolytic cell. The cell potential is the sum of
the potential required for the reduction and oxidation
reaction. The potential involved in various redox reactions is
available in literature as standard reduction potential.
Product of Electrolysis
The products of electrolysis reactions depend on the oxidising
and reducing species present in the electrolytic cell.
Electrolysis will produce products present in the compound.
When more than one cation and anions are present, each ion
will compete for reduction and oxidations. Reactions with
more positive redox potentials will be reduced or oxidized in
preference to others.
So, in spite of multiple redox couples present, only one can
be reduced or oxidized. Sometimes, the ions that are reduced
or oxidized may depend on their relative amount. In other
words, the redox reaction and electrolysis may become
kinetically controlled. In such cases, the product of analysis
may differ on the relative concentration of the various ions
present in the electrolyte.
For example, electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride may
give different products:
1. Hydrogen and chlorine
2. Hydrogen and oxygen
3. Hydrogen, oxygen and chlorine.
Factors Affecting Electrolysis
The factors that may affect electrolysis are
listed below:
i) The nature of the electrode
ii) Nature and state of the electrolyte
iii) Nature and electrode potential of ions
present in the electrolyte
iv) Overvoltage at the electrodes.
Electrolysis Applications
Electrolysis, as stated above, is a process of converting
the ions of a compound in a liquid state into their
reduced or oxidized state by passing an electric current
through the compound. Thus, electrolysis finds many
applications, both in experimental and industrial
products. Some of the important ones are given below:
1) Determination of equivalent weight of substances.
2) Metallurgy of alkali and alkaline earth metals.
3) Purification of metals.
4) Manufacture of pure gases.
5) Manufacture of compounds like sodium hydroxide,
sodium carbonate, potassium chlorate etc.
6) Electroplating for corrosion resistance, ornaments
etc.
Conclusion
In the expansive cosmic dance of electrochemistry, we
encounter a realm both profound and practical, a
symphony of electrons and reactions that modern the
world around us . Mastery of its foundation principals ,
fluency in the language of redox , and navigation of its
myriad applications empower us as class 12 chemistry
students , transforming us into modern day alchemists
capable of shaping a world where energy is harnessed ,
corrosion is subdued , and clean skies beckon.
Bibliography
. NCERT
. Crome
. HSC projects
. Microsoft edge
