Define :

(i) Electrolysis

(ii) Electrodes

(iii) Ions

(iv) Electrolytic dissociation.

(i) Electrolysis — It is the decomposition of a chemical compound [electrolyte] in the aqueous or fused [molten] state by the passage of direct electric current resulting in discharge of ions as neutral atoms at the respective electrodes.

(ii) Electrodes — They allow the electric current to enter or leave the electrolytic solution. The electrodes are two in number and are made of metal or carbon.

(iii) Ions — They are atoms which carry a positive or negative charge and become free and mobile when an electric current is passed through an aqueous solution of a chemical compound.

(iv) Electrolytic dissociation — The process due to which an ionic compound in the fused [molten] or in aqueous solution state dissociates into ions by passage of electric current through it is called electrolytic dissociation.