Tap water is neutral (pH 7) because each H₂O molecule has a slight positive charge on its hydrogen atoms and a negative charge on its oxygen atom. When you split water with electricity, you can temporarily produce negatively charged water—often called alkaline water—rich in hydroxide ions.
1. Fill a clear glass or beaker with room‑temperature water.
2. Place a sheet of cardstock over the glass and punch two 1‑inch holes a few inches apart.
3. Sharpen the ends of two No. 2 pencils. Insert one pencil tip through each hole so the graphite is submerged. These act as electrodes.
4. Connect a 6‑ or 9‑volt battery to the pencils: the positive terminal to the graphite of one pencil, the negative terminal to the graphite of the other. Use insulated wire with alligator clips; if unavailable, secure bare wires with electrical tape.
Within seconds, bubbles will appear. Hydrogen gas forms at the negative electrode (more bubbles) while oxygen forms at the positive electrode (fewer bubbles). The water becomes temporarily negatively charged because the graphite releases hydroxide ions, raising its pH above 7. The effect lasts only a few minutes because the molecule’s polar nature redistributes the charge.
Alkaline water can also be produced without electricity:
Each method increases the water’s negative charge by boosting its hydroxide ion concentration, creating the health benefits associated with alkaline hydration.
