Electrolysis of Acidified Water

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To improve the conductivity of water, sulphuric acid is added. The electrolysis of water allows for water to be broken up into its 2 component gases, Hydrogen and Oxygen. The hydrolysis of water is carried out using a Hoffman Voltameter.

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The reduction reaction occurs at the Cathode. The equation for the reaction is 2H(+) + 2e(-) → H2. This results in the evolution of hydrogen gas.

The oxidation reaction occurs at the anode. The equation for the reaction is H2O → 2H(+) + 1/2 O2 + 2e(-). This results in the evolution of Oxygen gas.

Twice as much Hydrogen is produced compared to Oxygen as a result of the fact that water is H2O. H+ ions are removed at the negative electrode and are produced at the positive electrode.

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