Magnets and electric current - Electrolysis

Electrical energy can cause chemical reactions. This happens in a chemical process called electrolysis.

Electrolysis of water

One use for electrolysis is to break down water (H₂0) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (0₂).

Electrolysis of water and sulfuric acid solution

1. Pieces of metal, called electrodes, are placed in the water.

2. A little sulphuric acid is added to the water to make the process work.

3. The electrodes are connected to a battery.

4. The water completes the circuit between the electrodes and current flows.

Where the electrodes come into contact with the water chemical changes take place, producing bubbles of gas. Oxygen at one electrode and hydrogen at the other one.

This electrolysis produces twice as much hydrogen as oxygen. They are both useful gases used in many chemical processes in industry.

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