Question

List out the main applications of electrolysis.

Answer 1

The main applications of electrolysis are:
1. Electrorefining - In this process, impure metals are purified by passing electric current (electrolysis method) through them. Metals like copper, silver and zinc are refined electrolytically to get 99.9% pure metals.

2. Electrometallurgy - In this process, highly reactive metals are extracted from their ores through electrolysis. Metals such as potassium, sodium and calcium magnesium are electrolytically extracted from their ores .

3. Electroplating - In this process, the electrolysis method is used for plating a thin layer of superior metal (silver, gold, nickel, chromium, etc.) on an inferior metal. This is done to prevent inferior metals (iron, copper, etc.) from getting corroded and to improve their look.