Question

Hydrolysis of water is which type of following reactions?

• A. Endothermic
• B. Decomposition
• C. Both A and B
• D. Combination

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Both A and B

Hydrolysis of water

The decomposition of Water (H₂O) into Hydrogen (H₂) and Oxygen (O₂) by passing electricity through it is called hydrolysis of water. This is also called electrolysis as electric current is used for the reaction. Any reaction that gives more than one product from a single reactant is called a decomposition reaction.

The chemical equation for the reaction is:

$2H_{2}O\left(l\right)\stackrel{Electricity}{\to }2H_2\left(g\right)+O_2\left(g\right)$

(Water) (Hydrogen) (Oxygen)

Since two products are obtained from a single reactant, the reaction is an example for decomposition.

Reactions in which energy is absorbed by the system are called endothermic reaction. Energy is absorbed in the form of electric current in this reaction. Therefore, it is an endothermic reaction.

Hydrolysis of water is an endothermic decomposition reaction. Therefore, option (C) is correct. Options (A) and (B) cannot be considered as the correct option.

Combination reactions involve formation of larger single product from smaller reactants. It is the opposite of decomposition reaction. Therefore, option (D) is incorrect.

Therefore, correct option is (C) Both A and B.