What is electrolysis of water?

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Detailed Solution

Electrolysis of water is a chemical process in which water (H₂O) is broken down into its elements — hydrogen and oxygen — using an electric current. When an electric current passes through water containing a small amount of electrolyte (like sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide), it dissociates into ions.

At the cathode (negative electrode), hydrogen ions (H⁺) gain electrons and form hydrogen gas (H₂). At the anode (positive electrode), hydroxide ions (OH⁻) lose electrons and form oxygen gas (O₂).

The overall reaction is: 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂

This process demonstrates the decomposition of water using electrical energy and is an important method for producing hydrogen gas, used as fuel and in chemical industries. Electrolysis also helps in understanding fundamental electrochemical reactions and energy conversion. It shows how electrical energy can drive non-spontaneous chemical changes.

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