The substance that is broken down during electrolysis is called the electrolyte.

Quick Scoop

In electrolysis, an electric current passes through an ionic compound that has been melted or dissolved, causing it to split into simpler substances.

That ionic compound in the molten or aqueous state – the one being decomposed – is specifically called the electrolyte.

A simple way to remember it:

The electrolyte is the chemical that lets electricity flow and gets broken down in the process.

TL;DR: The name given to the substance that is broken down during electrolysis is electrolyte.

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