A means of producing chemical changes through reactions at electrodes in contact with an electrolyte by the passage of an electric current. Electrolysis cells, also known as electrochemical cells, generally consist of two electrodes connected to an external source of electricity (a power supply or battery) and immersed in a liquid that can conduct electricity through the movement of ions. Reactions occur at both electrode-solution interfaces because of the flow of electrons. Reduction reactions, where substances add electrons, occur at the electrode called the cathode; oxidation reactions, where species lose electrons, occur at the other electrode, the anode. In the cell shown in the illustration, water is reduced at the cathode to produce hydrogen gas and hydroxide ion; chloride ion is oxidized at the anode to generate chlorine gas. Electrodes are typically constructed of metals (such as platinum or steel) or carbon. Electrolytes usually consist of salts dissolved in either water or a nonaqueous solvent, or they are molten salts.