Electrolysis: A process where electrical energy breaks down substances, often splitting them into simpler elements or compounds. This process is super cool, especially when we talk about molten ionic salts!

🤔 Real-world Example: Think of it like a reverse battery - instead of using a chemical reaction to produce electricity, you're using electricity to drive a chemical reaction!

Molten Ionic Salts

• Cations (positively charged ions) are reduced (gain electrons).
• Anions (negatively charged ions) are oxidized (lose electrons).

When we add water to the mix, it wants to join the party! Both cations and anions of the salt have to compete with water for the redox reactions at the electrodes.

🌊 Water's Tricks

• Reduction: H₂O + e⁻ → ½ H₂(g) + OH⁻(aq) E⦵ = −0.83V
• Oxidation: H₂O → ½ O₂(g) + 2H⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ E⦵ = −1.23V

🤔 Real-world Example: Imagine a singing competition (like American Idol). Water is the surprise contestant that could out-sing other participants under the right conditions.