Electrolysis:
Electrolysis is the process of producing chemical decomposition of a compound by passing an electric current through the compound. It involves the breaking down of a compound into its constituent elements or ions using electricity.

Process:
During electrolysis, an electric current is passed through an electrolyte, which is a compound that conducts electricity when dissolved in a liquid or molten state. The electrolyte is usually an aqueous solution or a molten compound. The compound is placed in a container called an electrolytic cell, which consists of two electrodes – a positive electrode called an anode and a negative electrode called a cathode.

Key Points:
- The compound that is being electrolyzed is known as the electrolyte.
- The anode attracts negatively charged ions (anions) and is usually made of a non-reactive material like graphite or platinum.
- The cathode attracts positively charged ions (cations) and is usually made of a metal or a material that can be plated onto.
- As the electric current passes through the electrolyte, chemical reactions occur at the electrodes, causing the compound to decompose.
- At the anode, oxidation takes place, and the anions lose electrons to form neutral atoms or molecules.
- At the cathode, reduction takes place, and the cations gain electrons to form neutral atoms or molecules.
- The products of the electrolysis reaction are collected separately at the anode and cathode.

Applications:
Electrolysis has numerous applications in various industries and processes, including:
- Electrorefining of metals: Electrolysis is used to purify metals such as copper, zinc, and aluminum.
- Electroplating: It is used to coat one metal onto another, creating a protective or decorative layer.
- Electrolytic cells: Electrolysis is used in batteries and fuel cells to generate electrical energy.
- Electrolysis of water: It is used to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Conclusion:
Electrolysis is a fundamental process that involves the decomposition of compounds using an electric current. It has a wide range of applications in different industries and is essential for various chemical processes.