Definition

• Electrolytes are liquids that decompose when an electrical current is applied to the solution. This process of decomposition is referred to as an electrolytic reaction, or electrolysis. Electrolyte examples include salts, bases and acids in water.
  
  

Electrolytic Capacitors

• Much of the electronic equipment available today will use a capacitor to store energy. An electrolytic capacitor consists of two aluminum electrodes and an insulating layer, known as a dielectric, housed inside a metal case. As current is applied, electrons flow from one electrode to another, storing up the charge. The capacitor may be removed from the power source, and will remain charged, until connected to a load circuit, which will discharge the capacitor.
  
  

Rust Removal by Electrolysis

• Rust on a surface may be returned to iron by electrolysis. This is accomplished by placing the rusted part in an electrolyte solution, such as baking soda, and applying an electrical current. This method is preferable to other means of rust removal, such as sandblasting, because the other means also remove the metal underneath.
  
  

Brass Etching by Electrolysis

• Brass plates are used in the printing industry to convey images onto paper. The process involves electrolytic etching. A brass or copper plate is covered in a photographic image in the form of a mask. The plate is placed in a copper sulfate solution, and current applied. The electrolytic process removes the copper or brass in the areas that are not masked, leaving a raised image on the surface of the plate, after the mask is removed.
  
  

Water Electrolysis

• Electrolysis is used to separate water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen atoms. An electrode is placed in each column of a U-shaped container of water and electrolyte. As current is applied, hydrogen gas will be formed at the one electrode, while oxygen gas will form at the other electrode. The two gases will rise into the tubes above the electrodes, providing columns of trapped hydrogen and oxygen gases.
  
  

Electrolytic Hair Removal

• Electrolysis is also a medical procedure that is used to permanently remove unwanted hair on the body. In an office procedure, electrolysis removes the hair chemically or through the use of heat energy. MedicineNet.com states that electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the Food and Drug Administration.