What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is fundamentally defined as the process by which an electric current is passed through a solution or molten substance to effect a chemical change, typically used to break down compounds into their constituent elements. In this context, the option describing electrolysis as an action of electric current that carries away the particles of a conductor accurately reflects this principle. During electrolysis, ions in the solution are attracted to the electrodes, enabling the decomposition or separation of substances at either the anode or cathode, which aligns well with the understanding of how electric current interacts with conductive materials in an electrolytic process.

The other options do not precisely capture the nature of electrolysis. While heating conductors might involve electric current, it does not describe the chemical reaction aspect that is central to electrolysis. Similarly, increasing voltage is not a process or outcome of electrolysis itself, and insulating wires is unrelated to the principles behind electrolysis. Understanding how electric current facilitates chemical reactions through the movement and separation of particles is vital in recognizing the role of electrolysis in various applications, such as electroplating and electrorefining.