Question

Explain the electrolysis of water

Answer 1

Electrolysis of water is the decomposition of water (H2O) into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen gas (H2) due to an electric current being passed through the water. The reaction has a standard potential of -1.23 V, meaning it ideally requires a current of 1.23 volts to split water.

Answer 2

Explanation:

1/2 O2(g) + H2O(l) + 2 e− Combining either half reaction pair yields the same overall decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen: Overall reaction: 2 H2O(l) → 2 H2(g) + O2(g) The number of hydrogen molecules produced is thus twice the number of oxygen molecules.