<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article does not cite any sources . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (December 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article does not cite any sources . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (December 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell that drives a non-spontaneous redox reaction through the application of electrical energy . They are often used to decompose chemical compounds, in a process called electrolysis--the Greek word lysis means to break up . </P> <P> Important examples of electrolysis are the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, and bauxite into aluminium and other chemicals . Electroplating (e.g. of copper, silver, nickel or chromium) is done using an electrolytic cell. electrolysis is a technique that uses a direct electric current (DC) </P>

Why is hydrogen not sodium produced at the negative electrode