Question

When an electric current is passed through water during the process of electrolysis, two gases are formed. One has has a boiling point of-183°C and the other has a boiling point of-253°C . Was this event a physical change or a chemical change?
It was a chemical change
It could have been either a physical or chemical change

Answer 1

The event described is a **chemical change**.

During electrolysis, water (H₂O) is broken down into its constituent elements: hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). The formation of these gases from water involves breaking chemical bonds and creating new substances, which is characteristic of a chemical change. The change in state from liquid water to gaseous hydrogen and oxygen also signifies a transformation at the chemical level.

Thus, the correct answer is: **It was a chemical change.**