Electrolizing of water into hydrogen and oxygen

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Try electrolysis.

James Totter, CEF - Tallahassee, Florida

You need a source of dc electricity, such as a car battery, a set of inert electrodes, such as copper. Connect a piece of copper to each terminal on the battery and put their other ends into the water. Gas will come off the ends of the both copper wires. The anode (+ve pole) produces oxygen and the cathode (-ve pole) hydrogen. Do not let the two loose ends of the wires ever touch each other!

Trevor Crichton R&D practical scientist The Pheasantries - Chesham, U.K.

Hi, Cousin Abraham.

Trevor's advice is fine, but the water must conduct electricity fairly well to allow the electrolysis current to flow at a good rate. Adding salt to the water is one way to do that, but to avoid concern about the possible generation of chlorine gas, it is best to use a salt which is not chlorine based. Sodium sulphate is fine, epsom salt (magnesium sulphate is fine), a bit of vinegar would help too.

Please look up Faraday's Law of Electrolysis and you will find that there is a specific relationship between how much current flows and how much hydrogen and oxygen will be evolved. One "Faraday", i.e., 96500 ampere-seconds, will release one gram equivalent weight. Best of luck with the project.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey