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Electrolysis Essay

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Electrolysis Essay
Chemistry Essay

The Importance Of Electrolysis in Our Daily Lives

“Electrolysis is the process by which ionic substances are decomposed (broken down) into simpler substances when an electric current is passed through them.” Electrolysis has a few main components like a battery, electrodes and electrolyte. In our daily lives we can see the applications of electrolysis in many ways. Some of the process of electrolysis is used for accumulators (car batteries), electroplating, electrotyping, electrolytic purification, electro-repairing, electric cell, water electrolysis, hair removal, and the manufacturing of many chemicals like chlorine, sodium chloride, and bleach. Electrolysis is also used to extract reactive metals like aluminum and the purification of copper. [1][2]
Electrolysis has many benefits like bleach. Bleach is usually used in cleaning household materials, and to whiten/lighten or clean stains on white cloth. Bleach is also used by ladies on their face to make their face white and bright.
Other than that there is electroplating. Electroplating is the coating of a metal over the other metal. Electroplating is done for a few reasons to benefit us: [3] 1) http://www.ejeinc.ca/NewFolder1/photos/electro_plating.jpg

Resistance to corrosion and increased life span: A coat of one less valuable metal on a valuable metal can be beneficial. E.g. if zinc is electroplated on iron then it will protect iron from getting corroded and would ensure proper usage. [3] 2) Provision of insulation: Insulating materials can be electroplated for safety of animals. E.g. plastic can be electroplated on aluminum or copper for protection from shocks. [3] 3) Better appearance e.g. chrome, nickel or silver can produce a mirror like finish: This is a very common method used for everyday living. Electroplating of silver, chrome or nickel protects the base metal from corrosion or scratches and it also provides a shiny attractive look for jewelry’s and decorations. [3]
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Bibliography: * "Project Helpers." : Importance of Electrolysis in Our Daily Lives. N.p., 22 Jan. 2011. Web. 20 Aug. 2012. <http://helpinhans.blogspot.com/2011/01/importance-of-electrolysis-in-our-daily.html>. * BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa_pre_2011/ions/electrolysisrev1.shtml>.

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