What is the mass of H2 and O2 produced water electrolysis?

In summary, by using Faraday's Law of Electrolysis and the given equations, it can be determined that 2 moles of H2O undergoing electrolysis at 15 amps for 1 hour will produce 0.55 grams of H2 gas and 4.47 grams of O2 gas. This can be confirmed by converting the mass values to moles, which results in a 2:1 ratio of H to O.
  • #1
HelloCthulhu
151
3

Homework Statement


2 moles of H2O undergoes electrolysis at 15 amps for 1 hour. What is the mass of H2 and O2 gas produced?

Homework Equations


4 H+(aq) + 4e−→ 2H2(g)

2 H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4 H+(aq) + 4e−

Faraday's Law of Electrolysis
Q = n(e-) x F

The Attempt at a Solution



F = 96500C

(15*3600s*4g)/(F*4)=0.55g H2

(15*3600s*32g)/(F*4)=4.47g O2
 
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  • #2
Isn't that the correct solution?
 
  • #3
PhyStudent20 said:
Isn't that the correct solution?

I think so. I've seen a few other methods, but this one seems the simplest.
 
  • #4
You can check your calculation accuracy by converting the gram - values to moles. For water, moles H2(g) produced should be 2x moles of O2 produced. Your numbers do confirm this => 0.55g H2 = 0.28 mole H2 and 4.47g O2 = 0.14 mole O2 which is 2:1 ratio of H to O. Good job.
 

1. What is water electrolysis?

Water electrolysis is a chemical process in which an electric current is passed through a water molecule (H2O) to split it into its constituent elements, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2).

2. How does water electrolysis work?

Water electrolysis involves two electrodes, typically made of a conductive material like platinum, immersed in water. When an electric current is passed through the electrodes, the water molecule is split into hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). The hydrogen ions are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode) and gain electrons to form hydrogen gas (H2), while the hydroxide ions are attracted to the positive electrode (anode) and lose electrons to form oxygen gas (O2).

3. What is the mass of H2 and O2 produced from water electrolysis?

The mass of H2 and O2 produced from water electrolysis depends on the amount of electric current passed through the water and the duration of the electrolysis process. The ratio of H2 and O2 produced is always 2:1 by volume, but the mass ratio may vary slightly due to factors like temperature and impurities in the water. On average, for every 18 grams of water electrolyzed, 2 grams of hydrogen gas and 16 grams of oxygen gas are produced.

4. What factors can affect the amount of H2 and O2 produced from water electrolysis?

The amount of H2 and O2 produced from water electrolysis can be affected by various factors, such as the amount of electric current passed through the water, the concentration of electrolytes in the water, the temperature, and the purity of the water. In general, a higher electric current and higher concentration of electrolytes can increase the rate of electrolysis and thus the amount of H2 and O2 produced.

5. What are the practical applications of water electrolysis?

Water electrolysis has various practical applications, such as in the production of hydrogen gas for fuel cells, as a method of storing excess renewable energy, and in the production of oxygen for industrial and medical purposes. It is also a key process in the production of chlorine, a widely used chemical in various industries. Additionally, water electrolysis can help reduce carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources to power the electrolysis process.

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