The equation 2H2O -> 2H2 + O2 -> represents the reaction process of water electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen. In this, from 2 water molecules (H2O), through the reaction process, 2 hydrogen molecules (H2) and 1 oxygen molecule (O2) are formed.
- Reaction conditions:
For the reaction to occur, a large amount of energy is needed to initiate the reaction, usually in the form of heat, electricity, or light. In practice, this reaction is often carried out under controlled conditions in laboratories or industrially, using electrolysis.
- Reaction process:
The reaction begins when energy is supplied to the system. Water is divided into H+ and OH- ions. The H+ ions then receive electrons from the negative electrode to produce hydrogen, while the OH- ions lose electrons at the positive electrode, producing oxygen.
- Phenomena that occur:
When the reaction takes place, gas bubbles can be seen appearing at both electrodes in the water solution. Hydrogen gas will appear at the negative electrode and oxygen gas will appear at the positive electrode.