Electrolysis of Acidified Water
* Acidified water: This means we're adding a small amount of acid (like sulfuric acid, H₂SO₄) to the water. The acid provides more hydrogen ions (H⁺) which are necessary for the process.
At the Cathode (Negative Electrode):
* Reduction: Hydrogen ions (H⁺) gain electrons and are reduced to form hydrogen gas (H₂).
* Reaction: 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂(g)
At the Anode (Positive Electrode):
* Oxidation: Hydroxide ions (OH⁻) lose electrons and are oxidized to form oxygen gas (O₂) and water.
* Reaction: 4OH⁻ → O₂(g) + 2H₂O + 4e⁻
Overall Reaction:
The overall reaction combines the cathode and anode reactions:
2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g)
Summary:
* Cathode: Hydrogen gas (H₂) is produced.
* Anode: Oxygen gas (O₂) is produced.
Let me know if you'd like a more detailed explanation of the process!
