A method of using electricity to break chemical bonds or cause electron exchange. An electric current passes through an electrolyte causing ions to move toward the electrodes. The positively charged electrode, called the anode, attracts anions and causes them to be oxidized. The negative electrode is called the cathode. It attracts cations which are then reduced. The electrical energy applied to the ionic solution causes a non-spontaneous process to become spontaneous. Electrolysis of water produces molecular hydrogen and molecular oxygen.