Water Electrolysis
Virtual Lab Bench
Observations
About Water Electrolysis
Water electrolysis is a fundamental electrochemical process that uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. This experiment demonstrates the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, following the stoichiometric relationship where 2 volumes of hydrogen are produced for every 1 volume of oxygen. Students observe how voltage affects the rate of gas production and bubble formation at the electrodes.
The process involves redox reactions at the anode and cathode, with hydrogen ions being reduced to hydrogen gas and water being oxidized to oxygen gas. This technology is crucial for industrial hydrogen production, clean energy storage, and understanding fundamental electrochemical principles in modern chemistry.