What are common products of electrolysis?

Common products of electrolysis include hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and aluminium.

Electrolysis is a process that uses an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. This process is commonly used to decompose chemical compounds. The products of electrolysis depend on the nature of the material being electrolysed and the type of ions present in the solution.

Hydrogen is often produced during the electrolysis of water, a process that also yields oxygen. When an electric current is passed through water, it breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases. This is a key process in the production of hydrogen for use in fuel cells and other applications.

Chlorine is another common product of electrolysis. It is produced through the electrolysis of brine, a solution of sodium chloride (table salt) in water. This process also produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. The chlorine gas produced is often used in the manufacture of bleach and disinfectants, while sodium hydroxide is a key ingredient in many cleaning products.

Aluminium is produced through the electrolysis of a compound called alumina, which is dissolved in a substance called cryolite to lower its melting point. This process, known as the Hall-Héroult process, is the primary method of producing aluminium industrially.

In summary, electrolysis is a versatile process that can produce a range of different substances. The specific products depend on the materials used in the electrolysis process, but common examples include hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and aluminium.