Question

Describe the reactions during the electrolysis of water in an electrolytic cell. Group of answer choices Oxygen and hydrogen are both oxidized. Oxygen is oxidized and hydrogen is reduced. Oxygen is reduced and hydrogen is oxidized. Oxygen and hydrogen are both reduced. Neither oxygen or hydrogen are oxidized or reduced.

Answer 1

Oxygen is oxidized and hydrogen is reduced.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider the redox reaction during the electrolysis of water in an electrolytic cell.

2 H₂O ⇒ 2 H₂ + O₂

The corresponding half-reactions are:

2 e⁻ + 2 H₂O ⇒ H₂ + 2 OH⁻

2 H₂O ⇒ O₂ + 4 H⁺ + 4 e⁻

Oxygen is oxidized since its oxidation number increases from -2 to 0.

Hydrogen is reduced since its oxidation number decreases from +1 to 0.