What is the difference between electrophoresis and electrolysis?
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis, the movement of charged particles through a fluid in an electric field. The electrophoretic movement of these particles is used in several ways for the analysis and separation of mixtures.
Uses
The most important use of electrophoresis is in the analysis of blood proteins. Electrophoresis can be used for investigative purposes. Electrophoresis is used to study viruses and bacteria, nucleic acids, and some types of smaller molecules, including organic acids and amino acids. It is also used to analyze mixtures of complex metal ions.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis, the decomposition of chemical compounds by an electric current. It is a widely used industrial process, particularly for the production and refining of metals. Electroplating, another important electrolytic process, is covered in a separate article.
In electrolysis the compound to be decomposed is made part of a solution or molten salt that conducts electricity and is called the electrolyte. A direct current is passed through the electrolyte between two conductors called electrodes. The electrodes are made of metal or of a nonmetallic material, such as graphite, that conducts electricity. The electrode attached to the negative terminal of the battery or power supply is called the cathode, while the one attached to the positive terminal is called the anode. Electrons enter the solution through the cathode and leave it through the anode. Reduction occurs at the cathode, oxidation at the anode
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis, the movement of charged particles through a fluid in an electric field. The electrophoretic movement of these particles is used in several ways for the analysis and separation of mixtures.
Uses
The most important use of electrophoresis is in the analysis of blood proteins. Electrophoresis can be used for investigative purposes. Electrophoresis is used to study viruses and bacteria, nucleic acids, and some types of smaller molecules, including organic acids and amino acids. It is also used to analyze mixtures of complex metal ions.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis, the decomposition of chemical compounds by an electric current. It is a widely used industrial process, particularly for the production and refining of metals. Electroplating, another important electrolytic process, is covered in a separate article.
In electrolysis the compound to be decomposed is made part of a solution or molten salt that conducts electricity and is called the electrolyte. A direct current is passed through the electrolyte between two conductors called electrodes. The electrodes are made of metal or of a nonmetallic material, such as graphite, that conducts electricity. The electrode attached to the negative terminal of the battery or power supply is called the cathode, while the one attached to the positive terminal is called the anode. Electrons enter the solution through the cathode and leave it through the anode. Reduction occurs at the cathode, oxidation at the anode
