How Does Electrolysis & Hydrogen Work?

Electrolysis is the process by which a chemical reaction, which would not have otherwise occurred, is forced by an electric current. This process is typically used to separate elements in a compound into their pure states. The process of electrolysis applies an electric charge to an ionic substance. An ionic substance is a type of substance that has the ability to break into its individual ions and carry an electric charge. In order for electrolysis to work, the substance, also called an electrolyte, must be in a molten or dissolved state.

Achieving electrolysis requires a simple group of components. These components needed include the ionic substance, an outside source of current and two electrodes. Electrodes are solid rods or plates, made of a conductive material, that transmit the current from the source into the ionic substance to produce the electrolysis effect.

Direct current is applied to the electrolyte through the electrodes, allowing electrons to pass from the outside circuit into the ionic substance. Each of the two electrodes, having a different charge, attract oppositely charged ions. The process of adding current, and separating the ions, divides the electrolyte into its basic elements.

The electrolysis of water is performed to create produce hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is used for hydrogen fuel cells, which are an alternative energy source for internal combustion engines. The use of hydrogen as a fuel for automobiles is a strategy for reducing the worldwide dependence on fossil fuels.

It is possible to accomplish electrolysis of water, in order to create hydrogen and oxygen, by using a battery as a power source and metal electrodes in a cup of water. Platinum is the preferred metal for this type of experiment, due to the fact that oxygen tends to react to other metals. If conducted correctly, it is possible to observe oxygen escaping to the surface of the water from one electrode, and hydrogen escaping to the surface from the other electrode.