Balance H₂O → H₂ + O₂
2 H₂O(l) → 2 H₂(g) + O₂(g)
Balance an equation
2H₂O(l)→2H₂(g)+O₂(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| H | 2:2 | 4:4 |
| O | 1:2 | 2:2 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, H₂O: put 1 in front of it.
- H: 2 on the left. Put 1 in front of H₂ (1 × 2 = 2).
- O: 1 on the left. Put 1/2 in front of O₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1).
- Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2.
- Check: H 4 = 4, O 2 = 2. Balanced.
What happens
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. An electric current splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The volume of hydrogen collected is double that of oxygen.
Electrolysis of water: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for electrolysis of water?
2 H₂O(l) → 2 H₂(g) + O₂(g). The coefficients are 2, 2 and 1. Each side then has 4 H and 2 O.
What type of reaction is electrolysis of water?
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. An electric current splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The volume of hydrogen collected is double that of oxygen.
How do you balance H₂O → H₂ + O₂?
Start with the biggest formula, H₂O: put 1 in front of it. H: 2 on the left. Put 1 in front of H₂ (1 × 2 = 2). O: 1 on the left. Put 1/2 in front of O₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1). Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2. Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.