Chapter 21, Problem 15RQ

What is electrolysis, and how does it differ from what goes on inside a battery?

To determine

The meaning of electrolysis and the difference between the electrolysis and the process that takes place inside the battery.

Answer to Problem 15RQ

The electrical energy is used for producing the chemical change in the electrolysis. The process that takes place inside the battery uses the chemical change to produce the electricity.

Explanation of Solution

The relationship between chemical change and electrical energy is studied in electrochemistry.

In electrolysis, the electrical energy (electricity) is used for producing the chemical change.

The process that takes place inside the battery uses the chemical change. The battery uses the chemical change (redox reactions) to produce the electricity.

Both reactions that is oxidation and reduction are exactly opposite to each other.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the electrical energy is used for producing the chemical change in the electrolysis. The process that takes place inside the battery uses the chemical change to produce the electricity.