1.52 understand that electrolysis involves the formation of new substances when ionic compounds conduct electricity

During electrolysis, ionic compounds conduct electricity (because they are molten so they have free ions). During electrolysis, negative ions (anions) are attracted to the positive electrode (the anode) and positive ions (cations) are attracted to the negative electrode (the cathode). For the circuit to be complete there has to be a flow of electrons. For this to occur, electrons are taken away from negative ions at the anode (positive electrode) and given to positive ions at the cathode (negative electrode). This means that the ions in the electrolyte undergo a reaction whereby they either gain or lose electrons (reduction or oxidation) and so a new product is formed at each electrode (because as ions lose electrons, they become atoms or molecules).