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Question
Explain what is meant by electrolysis of water. Write the electrode reactions and explain them.
Solution
Electrolysis of water is the decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen gas due to an electric current being passed through acidified water.
Cathode reaction:
\[\ce{2H2O_{(l)} + 2e- -> H_{2(g)} + 2OH_{(aq)}}\]
Anode reaction:
\[\ce{2H2O_{(l)} -> O_{2(g)} + 4H^+_{(aq)} + 4e^-}\]
It is found that the volume of gas formed near the cathode is double that of the gas formed near the anode. Hydrogen gas is formed near the cathode, and oxygen gas near the anode.
From this, it is clear that water electrolysis has taken place and its constituent element has been released.
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