electrolyze
Definition
- Verb:
- To decompose by electrolysis: "electrolyze" means to cause a chemical compound to break down into its constituent elements or ions by passing an electric current through it, typically in a liquid or molten state.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- The chemist used a special apparatus to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen. (To break down water molecules using electricity.)
- They plan to electrolyze the molten salt to extract pure sodium. (To decompose the salt into its elements via electrolysis.)
Advanced Usage
"to electrolyze a solution": to apply an electric current to a solution to induce chemical changes.
- The industrial process requires them to electrolyze a brine solution to produce chlorine gas. (To pass electricity through salty water for chemical separation.)
"to be electrolyzed": the passive form indicating the substance undergoes the process.
- The compound is electrolyzed at high temperatures to yield the pure metal. (The compound is decomposed by electricity under heat.)
Variants and Related Words
Electrolysis (n): the chemical process of decomposition by electric current.
- Electrolysis is used to purify copper. (The process of using electricity to break down substances.)
Electrolytic (adj): relating to or involving electrolysis.
- The electrolytic cell is essential for this experiment. (The device that facilitates electrolysis.)
Electrolyte (n): a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved or molten.
- The battery uses a liquid electrolyte to carry the current. (The conductive medium in the process.)
Synonyms
- Decompose electrically: to break down using electricity.
- Electrochemically separate: to split via electrochemical means.
Phrasal Verbs
- Electrolyze out: to extract or remove a substance by electrolysis.
- They electrolyzed out the impurities from the ore. (They separated and removed impurities using electricity.)
Related Idioms
- (No common idioms directly involve "electrolyze," as it is a technical term.)