Question
You are breaking water molecules down to get hydrogen, gas and oxygen gas
Answers
GPT 3.5
The process of breaking down water molecules to produce hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) is known as electrolysis. In electrolysis, an electric current is passed through water to separate the hydrogen and oxygen gases.
Here is the step-by-step process of breaking down water molecules through electrolysis:
1. Set up an electrolysis apparatus: This typically involves a container of water, two electrodes (usually made of metals like platinum or graphite), and a power source (such as a battery or power supply).
2. Connect the electrodes: Attach one electrode to the positive terminal (anode) of the power source and the other electrode to the negative terminal (cathode).
3. Submerge the electrodes: Place the electrodes into the water without touching each other. The electrodes must be immersed in the water but not touching each other to prevent a short circuit.
4. Conduct the electrolysis: When the power source is turned on, an electric current will flow through the water. This causes a reaction at each electrode:
- At the anode: Oxygen gas is produced. Water molecules at the anode lose electrons and break down into oxygen gas (O2) and positively charged hydrogen ions (H+).
- At the cathode: Hydrogen gas is produced. Water molecules at the cathode gain electrons and break down into hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH-).
5. Collect the gases: The hydrogen gas and oxygen gas bubbles will start to form at the electrodes. These can be collected separately by using gas collection tubes or chambers placed over each electrode.
6. Safety precautions: It is important to note that electrolysis of water involves the generation of explosive gases, so proper safety measures should be followed. Adequate ventilation and avoiding open flames or sparks in the vicinity are some important precautions.
Overall, this electrolysis process breaks down water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, which can be used for various applications such as fuel cells, industrial processes, or in research laboratories.
Here is the step-by-step process of breaking down water molecules through electrolysis:
1. Set up an electrolysis apparatus: This typically involves a container of water, two electrodes (usually made of metals like platinum or graphite), and a power source (such as a battery or power supply).
2. Connect the electrodes: Attach one electrode to the positive terminal (anode) of the power source and the other electrode to the negative terminal (cathode).
3. Submerge the electrodes: Place the electrodes into the water without touching each other. The electrodes must be immersed in the water but not touching each other to prevent a short circuit.
4. Conduct the electrolysis: When the power source is turned on, an electric current will flow through the water. This causes a reaction at each electrode:
- At the anode: Oxygen gas is produced. Water molecules at the anode lose electrons and break down into oxygen gas (O2) and positively charged hydrogen ions (H+).
- At the cathode: Hydrogen gas is produced. Water molecules at the cathode gain electrons and break down into hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH-).
5. Collect the gases: The hydrogen gas and oxygen gas bubbles will start to form at the electrodes. These can be collected separately by using gas collection tubes or chambers placed over each electrode.
6. Safety precautions: It is important to note that electrolysis of water involves the generation of explosive gases, so proper safety measures should be followed. Adequate ventilation and avoiding open flames or sparks in the vicinity are some important precautions.
Overall, this electrolysis process breaks down water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, which can be used for various applications such as fuel cells, industrial processes, or in research laboratories.