What term describes using electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction?

• A. Electrolysis
• B. Combustion
• C. Photolysis
• D. Electrochemical corrosion

Answer: (A)

Using electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction is electrolysis. In electrolysis, an external power source pushes electrons through an arrangement of electrodes, causing oxidation at one electrode and reduction at the other. This input energy overcomes the natural thermodynamic barrier so the reaction proceeds in a direction that wouldn’t occur on its own under the same conditions. A common example is splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen by applying a voltage.

Other terms describe different ideas. Combustion is the rapid oxidation of fuel that releases energy spontaneously. Photolysis uses light energy to break chemical bonds, not necessarily requiring electricity. Electrochemical corrosion is a spontaneous process driven by redox chemistry between a metal and its environment, releasing energy rather than needing external electrical input.