When electricity is passed through water, what kind of chemical reaction occurs?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: A) Decomposition

Explanation:

When electricity is passed through water, the chemical reaction that occurs is decomposition. This process is called electrolysis. In electrolysis, water (H₂O) is broken down into its elements, hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂), through the application of an electric current. The reaction is as follows:
​$$2H_2O(l)→2H_2(g)+O_2(g)$$​​

Information Booster:

• Decomposition reaction involves the breakdown of a compound into two or more simpler substances. In this case, water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen gases.
• Electrolysis is the process by which an electric current is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.
• During electrolysis of water, hydrogen is produced at the cathode (negative electrode), and oxygen is produced at the anode (positive electrode).
• This reaction is essential for producing hydrogen gas for industrial uses and oxygen for various applications.

Additional Information:

• Displacement – Displacement reactions occur when a more reactive element replaces a less reactive one in a compound, which does not apply in the electrolysis of water.
• Double displacement – This type of reaction occurs when two compounds exchange ions or elements, which is not applicable here as electrolysis involves the breakdown of a single compound.
• Combination – A combination reaction occurs when two or more reactants combine to form a single product, which is not the case in the electrolysis of water.

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