Science Common Sense

894 - What is the process of electrolysis, and how does it produce hydrogen?

Electrolysis is a process that splits water into two parts: hydrogen and oxygen. Here's how it works:

1. Water is added: You put water into a special container with two poles (called electrodes).
2. Electricity is applied: You pass an electric current through the water, using the electrodes. This breaks the water molecules into smaller parts.
3. Hydrogen is produced: At one of the poles (called the cathode), hydrogen atoms are released and combine into a gas. This is the hydrogen!
4. Oxygen is produced: At the other pole (called the anode), oxygen atoms are released and combine into a gas.
5. Collect the gases: The hydrogen and oxygen gases are collected separately.

The equation for this process is:

2H2O (water) → 2H2 (hydrogen) + O2 (oxygen)

Electrolysis is a clean and efficient way to produce hydrogen, which can be used as a fuel or energy source.