What occurs during the process of electrolysis?

During the process of electrolysis, electricity is employed to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, resulting in the breakdown of a compound into its constituent elements or simpler compounds. This process typically occurs in an electrolytic cell, where an electric current is passed through an electrolyte solution or molten ionic compound. The application of electrical energy causes ions to migrate towards their respective electrodes, facilitating the decomposition of the compound.

For instance, in the electrolysis of water, electricity decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. This illustrates the key role of electricity as the energy source that enables the breakdown of a compound, distinguishing electrolytic processes from other methods of separation like thermal decomposition or physical mixing.