Chapter 7, Problem 41Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Why the electrolysis of water is not the best method to produce hydrogen gas has to be reasoned.

Concept Introduction:

In any electrochemical reaction, an electron goes from one substance to another substance driven by the oxidation-reduction reaction. Electrochemical cells have two conducting electrodes, called the anode and cathode. The anode is defined as the electrode where oxidation occurs. The cathode is the electrode where reduction takes place. Standard electrode potential $\left(E^{°}cell\right)$ can be calculated for both oxidation and reduction reactions. A positive value of $\left(E^{°}cell\right)$ indicates that the reaction proceeds spontaneously in the forward direction whereas, a negative value of $\left(E^{°}cell\right)$ indicates that the reaction proceeds spontaneously in backward direction. The standard cell potential expression is written as follows,

$E^{°}cell=E^{°}{}_{cathode}+E^{°}{}_{anode}$