chemistry- electrolysis key words

anion

negatively charged ion, gain of electrons

anode

positive electrode

cathode

negative electrode

cation

positively charged ion, loss of electrons

electrode

rod made of metal or graphite that carries the current into or out of the electrolyte

electrolysis

process in which energy transferred by a direct electrical current decomposes electrolytes

electrolyte

ionic compound that is molten or dissolved in water

half equation

ionic equation showing the electrons gained or lost in oxidation or reduction reactions

oxidation

reaction where oxygen is added to a chemical substance; loss of electrons by an atom or negative ion; loss of hydrogen

reduction

reaction where oxygen is lost by a chemical substance; gain of electrons by an atom or negative ion; gain of hydrogen