What is the identity of the gas formed at the anode during electrolysis of water?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Oxygen
During electrolysis, water decomposes according to 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂. Oxide ions or water molecules are oxidised at the anode, producing oxygen gas, while hydrogen is formed at the cathode. The collected hydrogen volume is twice the oxygen volume. Therefore oxygen is the gas at the anode, making option A correct; nitrogen and carbon dioxide are not products of water electrolysis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Oxygen
Why is this the correct answer?
During electrolysis, water decomposes according to 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂. Oxide ions or water molecules are oxidised at the anode, producing oxygen gas, while hydrogen is formed at the cathode. The collected hydrogen volume is twice the oxygen volume. Therefore oxygen is the gas at the anode, making option A correct; nitrogen and carbon dioxide are not products of water electrolysis.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
