Definition
A chemical process in which an electric current is passed through a conductive liquid (an electrolyte) to cause a chemical change at the electrodes. In aircraft maintenance, electrolysis is most often discussed as an unwanted process: stray electrical currents combined with moisture cause metal parts to corrode, with material being eaten away from one component and deposited on another.
Plain English
When electricity flows through a liquid, it causes chemical reactions. On an aircraft, this can quietly eat away at metal parts where moisture and electrical current meet, leading to corrosion damage.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance discussions about corrosion, batteries, metal parts, and electrical connections exposed to moisture.
Derivation
From Greek 'elektron' (amber, the original source of static electricity) and 'lysis' (a loosening or breaking apart). Literally 'breaking apart by electricity' -- which is exactly what happens: the current breaks chemical bonds in the liquid.
Why Pilots Care
Uncontrolled electrolysis produces corrosion that can weaken structural components and lead to airworthiness issues.
Grounding Statement
Picture a damp area between metal parts with current passing through it; the moisture becomes a path that lets electricity cause chemical damage.
Intuition Check
Electrolysis is not just ordinary rust. The key idea is chemical change driven by electric current through a wet or liquid path.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic found electrolysis damage in the battery box where leaking electrolyte had reacted with the aluminum structure.
Example Sentence 2
Protective compounds are applied to rivets to stop electrolysis between aluminum skin and steel fittings.