write the balanced equation for the electrolysis of water. What type of reaction is this?
2H2O ==> 2H2 + O2
decomposition
The balanced equation for the electrolysis of water is:
2 H2O(l) → 2 H2(g) + O2(g)
This reaction involves the decomposition of water (H2O) into hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) through the process of electrolysis.
Electrolysis is a type of redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. In this reaction, the water molecule is being both reduced and oxidized simultaneously. The hydrogen ions (H+) in the water molecule are reduced to form hydrogen gas (H2), and the hydroxide ions (OH-) in the water molecule are oxidized to form oxygen gas (O2). Therefore, the electrolysis of water is a redox reaction.