Question

Explain the electrolysis of water.

Answer 1

Hint: Electrolysis is the breakdown of water in its liquid state into its constituents, i.e. hydrogen and oxygen on the application of electric energy. The electrical currents flowing through the water on the introduction of electrodes depend on the temperature and the pH of the water and thus different techniques of electrolysis have developed over the years.

Complete step by step answer:
Electrolysis is a process by which an electrical current is passed through a substance and it affects a chemical change. In this chemical change, the substance gains (reduction) or loses (oxidation) an electron.
In water electrolysis, the water molecules are split into their constituents, hydrogen, and oxygen, through the application of electrical energy at the electrodes. The following chemical equation shows the process of electrolysis.
 $ {H_2}O + electricity \to {H_2} + \dfrac{1}{2}{O_2} $
Water electrolysis is a well-established technology that has been used for more than a century for miscellaneous industrial applications namely in the food industry, textile, power plants, and metallurgy. It is considered a key process to produce high purity hydrogen from water and renewable energy sources.
The difference between the various water electrolysis technologies comes from the temperature of operation and the pH of the electrolyte.
The high-temperature water electrolysis process is more efficient but it faces critical challenges especially those of material science.

Note: In general an aqueous solution of caustic potash or soda is used as the electrolyte for water electrolysis. The conductivity of caustic potash solution is higher than caustic soda solutions at equal concentrations. The solubility of carbon dioxide, which contaminates the electrolyte and decreases its conductivity, is lower in caustic potash solution and caustic soda solution.