How To Make Oxygen and Hydrogen from Water Using Electrolysis
The process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity is called electrolysis.With hydrogen being one of the cleanest sources of energy we have access to, this experiment has significant implications in terms of what these 2 gases can be used for in their own right.If you have the right equipment, knowledge, and know-how, you can do it.
Step 1: Warm water is needed to fill a 350 liter glass.
Leave a little bit of room because you don't need to fill it all the way to the top.The electricity will work just fine with cold water if the water is warm.It doesn't matter which water you use, you can use it.The warmer water allows electricity to move more freely and has a lower viscosity.
Step 2: Take 17 grams of table salt and add it to your water.
It's all you need to do is pour it in and stir it around.This turns it into a solution.Table salt, also known as sodium chloride, is an electrolyte that helps aid the water's ability to conduct electricity.The water will be split into hydrogen and oxygen if the current from the battery flows through more easily.
Step 3: If you want the graphite to be exposed, Sharpen both ends of the pencils.
Remove the eraser from the pencil.You need to make sure the pencils are fully exposed at both ends.The electricity that comes from the battery is generated by the shafts that are encased in the pencil.It doesn't get damaged in the water while you conduct the experiment, so it works really well.
Step 4: Cut a piece of cardboard large enough to cover the glass.
When it has some holes punched through it, use cardboard that is thick enough to maintain its structural integrity.It's possible to cut a square portion out of a thick box.The cardboard is used to suspend the pencil in the water so it doesn't touch the walls of the glass.cardboard can sit on top of your glass without affecting the outcome of the experiment.
Step 5: Using the 2 pencils, punch 2 holes in the cardboard.
To fit the pencils into the holes you need to use the actual pencils.The experiment will be interrupted if the walls or the base of the glass are touched.
Step 6: The alligator clips have to be connected to the battery terminals.
The alligator clips are used to move the current from the battery to the water.There are two clips to attach to the positive terminal and the negative terminal.If you can't find one, use a 9-volt battery.At most convenience stores and supermarkets you can find this size of battery.
Step 7: The alligator clip should be connected to the pencil.
Make sure the alligator clip is connected to the pencil.To make sure the alligator clips are connected to the graphite, you may have to shave a little bit more of the wood from the pencil.It is possible to transfer the current from the battery to the water if you complete the connection.
Step 8: The pencils should be placed on top of the cardboard.
The cardboard should sit on top of the glass if you cut it earlier.The pencils that are stuck through the cardboard don't get disturbed from their position if you try to do this gently.The pencils need to not be touching the side of the glass in order for the experiment to work.
Step 9: You can watch the separation of hydrogen and oxygen.
The bubbles begin to rise from the submerged points.The hydrogen and oxygen gas is being split.Oxygen and hydrogen gas will be bubbling from the pencil connected to the negative terminal.The current begins to flow when you connect the alligator clips to the battery.There will be more bubbles coming from the hydrogen pencil because there is twice as much hydrogen as oxygen in each water molecule.