Electrolysis is the process by which ionic compounds break up into simpler substances when electricity is passed through them. Key terms include electrode, electrolyte, anode, and cathode. Students should be able to describe electrolysis in terms of the ions present and reactions at the electrodes. They should also be able to predict the products of electrolysis for molten lead(II) bromide, aqueous copper chloride, and other specified binary compounds in their molten states.