What is the action called when an electrical current causes chemical actions to take place?

The action where an electrical current induces chemical changes is known as electrolysis. This process involves passing an electric current through a liquid or solution that conducts electricity, resulting in the breakdown of substances or the transfer of ions. During electrolysis, chemical compounds are separated into their constituent elements or simpler compounds.

In practical applications, electrolysis can be used for various purposes, such as extracting metals from ores, purifying metal, and producing gases like hydrogen and oxygen. Understanding electrolysis is essential for anyone working in electrical and electronic fields as it highlights the relationship between electricity and chemical reactions.

Other terms, such as voltage regulation and ionization, describe different phenomena. Voltage regulation refers to maintaining a constant voltage level despite variations in load, while ionization involves the process of creating ions by adding or removing electrons from atoms or molecules, which is distinct from the chemical reactions driven by electrolysis.