Question

Study the following reaction and answer the questions asked
$2{H_2}O(l)\xrightarrow{{electrical\,energy}}2{H_2} \uparrow + {O_2} \uparrow$
(Acidic Water)
a) What is the above reaction called?
b) Define this reaction.

Answer 1

In the given reaction, electric energy is passed through the acidic water $({H_2}O)$ and it decomposes into hydrogen $({H_2})$ and oxygen $({O_2})$. The process is the electrolysis of water which is mainly carried out to yield pure hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Complete step by step answer:
Given reaction,
$2{H_2}O(l)\xrightarrow{{electrical\,energy}}2{H_2} \uparrow + {O_2} \uparrow$
(Acidic Water)
a) In this reaction, the electrolysis of water is being carried out to yield pure hydrogen $({H_2})$ and oxygen $({O_2})$ gases. It involves passing an electric current through the acidic water which results in the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hence, it is an electrolytic decomposition reaction
b) If decomposition (breaking of ions) takes place when electricity is passed through the aqueous solution, it is called electrolytic decomposition reaction.

Note: The electrolysis of water is not simple and easy because water is very weakly dissociated into hydrogen and hydroxide ions. The concentration of the ions in neutral water is equal to moles per litre. Electrolysis will involve the charge carriers for the current to flow. So, water with a very small number of ions is a bad conductor of electricity. Therefore, the electrolysis of pure water will be a very slow process. The electrolysis of water is a very popular method which is used for different uses in various industries such as, it is mainly used in the food industry, metallurgy, power plants amongst others. Besides, the components of water which include hydrogen and oxygen have many applications. For example, hydrogen $({H_2})$ which is obtained through electrolysis is a clean, renewable and efficient source of fuel.