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Chapter 22: Problem 31

Explain why the volumes of \(\mathrm{H}_{2}(\mathrm{g})\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{g})\) obtained in the electrolysis of water are not the same.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The volumes of H2(g) and O2(g) obtained from the electrolysis of water are not the same because of the stoichiometry of the chemical reaction. It shows that from 2 volumes of water, we produce 2 volumes of hydrogen gas and 1 volume of oxygen gas, hence resulting in differing volumes of hydrogen and oxygen.

Step by step solution

01

State the Reactants and Products

Determine the reaction taking place in the process. For the electrolysis of water, we have water (H2O) as the reactant, and hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) as the products. This gives us the chemical reaction: 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g).
02

Understand Stoichiometric Ratios

Notice the stoichiometric coefficients (the numbers in front of the molecules in the chemical reaction). They provide the ratio of the molecules involved. Essentially, for every 2 molecules of water, we produce 2 molecules of Hydrogen and 1 molecule of Oxygen. So, the ratio is 2:1.
03

Apply Gas Laws

Knowing that the laws of gases tells us that equal volumes of gases, at the same temperature and pressure conditions, contain the same number of gas particles (Avogadro's Law), we can conclude that, in this reaction, for every 2 volumes of water, we produce 2 volumes of Hydrogen and 1 volume of Oxygen. Hence, the volumes of Hydrogen and Oxygen gases aren't the same.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

All the group 15 elements form trifluorides, but nitrogen is the only group 15 element that does not form a pentafluoride. (a) Suggest a reason why nitrogen does not form a pentafluoride. (b) The observed bond angle in \(\mathrm{NF}_{3}\) is approximately \(102.5^{\circ} \mathrm{C} .\) Use VSEPR theory to rationalize the structure of the \(\mathrm{NF}_{3}\) molecule.

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