What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
electrolysis
Example
The electrolysis of water produces hydrogen and oxygen gas. [electrolysis: noun]
Example
The chemist used electrolysis to separate the metal ions from the solution. [electrolysis: verb]
ionization
Example
The ionization of the gas in the tube produced a bright glow. [ionization: noun]
Example
The radiation ionized the atoms in the air, creating a plasma. [ionized: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ionization is more commonly used than electrolysis in scientific contexts. Ionization is a fundamental process in many fields of science, while electrolysis is a specific application of this process in industrial and chemical processes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between electrolysis and ionization?
Both electrolysis and ionization are formal terms used in scientific and technical contexts. However, ionization is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts, including everyday language.
