Explain the electrolysis of water?

1 Answer
Jan 24, 2018

By using electric energy

Explanation:

#2H_2O# + Electric current #-> 2H_2 + O_2#

Applying an electric potential through water causes positive ions, including the inherent hydrogen ions #H_3O^+#, to move towards the negative electrode (cathode) and negative ions, including the inherent hydroxide ions #OH^-#, to move towards the positive electrode (anode). With a sufficient potential difference, this may cause electrolysis with oxygen gas being produced at the anode and hydrogen gas produced at the cathode.

The electrolysis of water usually involves dilute, or moderately concentrated, salt solutions in order to reduce the power loss driving the current through the solution, but the presence of salt is not a requirement for electrolysis.

If you want to have further details: Reference: http://www1.lsbu.ac.uk/water/electrolysis.html