Class 8|Chemical effects of electric current|Electrolysis of Water Explained|

Описание: Electrolysis of Water

Electrolysis is the process of breaking a compound into its elements by passing an electric current through it.

When electricity is passed through acidified water (water mixed with a little dilute sulphuric acid to increase conductivity), water decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Apparatus Setup

Take a beaker filled with acidified water.

Insert two electrodes (carbon/platinum rods) connected to a battery.

Collect the gases in test tubes over the electrodes using an inverted test-tube arrangement.

Observation

Gas bubbles are formed at both electrodes.

The cathode (– electrode) collects hydrogen gas.

The anode (+ electrode) collects oxygen gas.

The volume of hydrogen collected is double the volume of oxygen.