Question #3ab4c

1 Answer
Nov 7, 2015

Electrolysis of water

Explanation:

There are numerous techniques to "split" water but the most notable (and simplest one, I think) is through process of electrolysis.

Electrolysis can be defined as the chemical decomposition of a substance by passing a certain amount of electric current through it.

The electrolysis of water can be described by the below equations:

2H_2O (l) + electricity rarr 2H_2 (g) + O_2 (g) (overall reaction)

Half reactions:

Reduction: 2H_2O (l) + 2e^− rarr H_2 (g) + 2OH^− (aq)
Oxidation: 4OH^− (aq) rarr O_2 (g) + 2H_2O (l) + 4e^−

Watch this link on how water electrolysis works.