Question

In the electrolysis of water, why is it that the volume of gas collected on one electrode is two times that on the other electrode?

Answer 1

Electrolysis of water:

1. The electrolysis of water results in the breakdown of water into oxygen and hydrogen gas. An electric current is passed through the solution to achieve this.
2. Electrolysis is represented through a decomposition reaction. This is because an electric current causes water to split into its essential elements, hydrogen, and oxygen.
3. Reaction of electrolysis of water is as follows $2\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Hydrogen}}{2{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}$
4. Two moles of water undergo electrolysis yielding two moles of hydrogen gas and one mole of oxygen gas as shown in the reaction. The reason for producing two moles of hydrogen and one mole of oxygen is that water's molecular formula comprises two hydrogens and one oxygen.