Monday, 7 March 2011

How Electrolysis Can Be Used For Isolation

The term electrolysis has Greek origins and means to separate. Electrolysis is a process that uses strong electrical currents to cause chemical reactions. These reactions would otherwise not occur without this form of stimulation. The end result is the separation of different elements from naturally occurring mixtures, such as ores.

The process requires three main components: an electrolyte, direct current, and two electrodes. The electrolyte contains mobile ions that carry the electric current. The current must be supplied at a strength that can stimulate the electrolytes ions. Both electrodes are conductors that work as an interface between the current and the electrolyte. They are typically made of semiconducting materials, graphite and metal. All of these main components are necessary for the overall process to work successfully.

Electric energy is passed across the electrodes that are within the electrolyte. Each electrode attracts oppositely charged ions, and either absorbs or releases electrons. Ions that become uncharged atoms by losing or gaining electrons then separate and are discharged. Those that become charged ions move into the electrolyte. This is how separation occurs.

This procedure has been used since the 1800s to separate many different and important elements. For example, it was used to decompose water into it's hydrogen and oxygen components. It was also used in the discovery of potassium, barium, sodium, magnesium and calcium. Fluorine was discovered through this means as well.

Using the electrolysis mechanism, two processes were founded to help in the creation of certain substances. The Hall-Heroult process uses the electric current to produce aluminum. The Castner-Kellner process uses it to create sodium hydroxide. Both of these are important in chemistry and manufacturing.

This chemical process uses electricity to create charged and uncharged ions, and to separate one type from the other. In this way, it has been used to isolate many different elements. In fact, it has helped in the discovery of multiple substances.

Electrolysis is known well to be used for hair removal and blemish removal. It is a preferred method of permanent hair removal, even over Laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is only good for people with light skin and dark hair. The laser will not pick up light hair. The laser also is known to burn and/or damage skin, specifically if the skin is a darker tone. Electrolysis is known to be a more reliable and permanent removal for hair and blemishes overall.