What is the process of electrolysis primarily used for?

The process of electrolysis is primarily used to split a molecule using electrical current, which perfectly aligns with the provided answer. During electrolysis, an electric current is passed through a solution or a molten ionic compound, leading to a chemical reaction. This reaction results in the breaking down of compounds into their respective elements or simpler compounds. For example, in the electrolysis of water, the current splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gas.

This process is significant in various applications, such as the extraction of metals from their ores, the production of chemical compounds, and the generation of gases for industrial use. The use of a buffer during electrolysis helps to maintain a consistent pH, which can be crucial for specific reactions, but the essence of electrolysis itself is the direct action of electrical current on molecules.