Question

Define the following terms:
(a) Electrolysis
(b) Electrolyte
(c) Non-electrolyte
(d) Cation and anion

Answer 1

(a) Electrolysis - It is the process that involves passage of electric current through a substance (electrolyte) in its aqueous or molten state, causing the substance to decompose into its constituent ions through a chemical reaction.

(b) Electrolyte - It is a substance that conducts electricity in its aqueous or molten state and decomposes into its constituent ions. Examples are HCl, KOH, NaCl, etc.

(c) Non-electrolyte - It is a substance that does not conduct electricity in solid, molten or aqueous state and does not ionise. Examples are urea, water (pure), etc.

(d) Cations and anions - Cations are the ions that carry positive charge, while anions are the ions that carry negative charge. Examples of cations are H⁺, Na⁺, Ag⁺, etc. Examples of anions are Cl⁻, S²⁻, OH⁻ etc.