Which process is described as depositing a layer of metal onto a surface using electrolysis?

The process referred to in the question is known as electroplating. This technique involves the deposition of a metal layer onto a surface using the principles of electrolysis. In electroplating, an electric current is passed through a solution containing metal ions, causing these ions to be reduced and deposited onto a substrate, which is usually a different metal or conductive material. This results in a uniform coating that can enhance the appearance, resistance to corrosion, and other properties of the base material.

Electroplating is commonly used in various applications, including jewelry, electronics, and automotive parts, to improve quality and longevity. The process allows for precise control over the thickness of the deposited layer and can be tailored to achieve a desired finish or functionality.

While cathodic protection is a method used to prevent corrosion of metal surfaces, it does not directly involve the deposition of metal through electrolysis. Corrosion refers to the degradation of materials, typically metals, as a result of chemical reactions with their environment—this is an opposite phenomenon to electroplating. Electrolysis itself is a broader term encompassing various processes that use electrical energy to drive chemical reactions, but it does not specifically refer to the deposition of a metal layer onto a surface.