When water (H₂O) is broken down into its component elements, hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂), it is called electrolysis.

Here's what happens:

* Electrolysis: An electric current is passed through water.

* Breaking the bonds: The electricity provides energy to break the chemical bonds holding the hydrogen and oxygen atoms together in the water molecule.

* Formation of gases: Hydrogen gas (H₂) forms at the negative electrode (cathode), and oxygen gas (O₂) forms at the positive electrode (anode).

So, to answer your question directly:

Water, when broken down into hydrogen and oxygen, becomes two separate gases: hydrogen and oxygen.