Why are carbon electrodes commonly used in electrolysis?

Carbon electrodes are commonly used in electrolysis primarily because they do not react with the solution and are effective conductors of electricity. This property is crucial during electrolysis, where the goal is to facilitate the movement of ions in the solution to achieve a chemical change without introducing additional reactions that could complicate the process.

The stability of carbon in various electrolytic environments means that it can carry out the necessary electrical conduction without engaging in side reactions that would otherwise produce unwanted products. As a result, the efficiency of the electrolysis process is improved, allowing for clearer results and more precise reactions.

Furthermore, carbon electrodes offer the additional benefit of being relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, making them a practical choice for many applications in electrochemical processes.