The word Electro MEANS electricity and Lysis means splitting thus the term Electrolysis means splitting of a compound using electricity (current).This is done by dissolving the compound (which is usually polar) in a solvent to form a solution and then a negative and a positive plate is dipped in it which with the help of voltage provided by a battery cause the lysis (splitting) of the compound (molecules).Explanation:You can PERFORM a simple experiment to illustrate electrolysis at home or school lab all you need are .:1) A pot/beaker made of glass or plastic2) Two small plates of iron/copper/aluminium (conducting material)3) Two wire and a common cell or small battery (EVEN yoi can use your phone battery) but be careful of short-circuiting4) Water and table-salt (NaCl)First of all dissolve some salt in water in the pot or beaker.Next attach each end of a wire to the battery and metal plate.Now dip the metal plates in the solution and you would notice bubble formation (which is Chlorine gas liberating at anode or positive terminal) while the sodium would deposit at cathode or negative terminal.