Here's a breakdown of the process:
* Electrolysis: This is the process of using an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.
* Water molecules (H₂O): Each water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
* Electrodes: Electrolysis uses two electrodes (positive anode and negative cathode) submerged in the water.
* Reaction: The electric current causes the water molecules to split:
* At the cathode (negative electrode), hydrogen ions (H+) gain electrons and form hydrogen gas (H₂).
* At the anode (positive electrode), oxygen ions (O²-) lose electrons and form oxygen gas (O₂).
The overall chemical equation for the electrolysis of water is:
2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
This means that for every two water molecules broken down, two molecules of hydrogen gas and one molecule of oxygen gas are produced.
