Electrolysis of water (3D)
About this app
Beaker with two electrodes — H₂ forms at the cathode, O₂ at the anode. Ions, electron flow and gas bubbles live in 3D.
With explain mode: an AI tutor walks you through the app, points out what matters in the scene and answers your questions.
The chemistry
In electrolysis an electric current splits water into its elements: 2 H₂O → 2 H₂ + O₂. At the cathode (negative pole) water molecules are reduced and take up electrons: 4 H₂O + 4 e⁻ → 2 H₂ + 4 OH⁻. At the anode (positive pole) water molecules are oxidised and give up electrons: 6 H₂O → O₂ + 4 H₃O⁺ + 4 e⁻. The electrons travel through the external wires. Because two H₂ form for every O₂, the volume of hydrogen is twice that of oxygen.
What you see
A beaker with two electrodes and two collection tubes stands in a 3D scene. With the current on, gas bubbles rise from both electrodes, ions migrate and electrons visibly flow through the wires. A reaction panel shows the half-equations at cathode and anode and the overall reaction. A data panel lists voltage and current, the volumes of H₂ and O₂ produced and their ratio. The app has an explain mode in which an AI tutor guides you through the scene live.
Things to try
Switch the current on and see which electrode produces more bubbles. Follow the data panel as the H₂ to O₂ volume ratio settles near 2 : 1. Rotate the scene to view the ion migration and the direction of electron flow from every side. When the H₂ tube is full the app switches off the current; reset empties both tubes for a fresh start.
Frequently asked questions
- What happens during the electrolysis of water?
- An electric current splits water into hydrogen and oxygen: 2 H₂O → 2 H₂ + O₂. Hydrogen forms at the cathode (negative pole) by reduction, oxygen at the anode (positive pole) by oxidation. Electrical energy is converted into chemical energy.
- Why is twice as much hydrogen produced as oxygen?
- A water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Two water molecules therefore give two molecules of H₂ and one of O₂. Equal amounts of gas occupy equal volumes at the same pressure and temperature, so the volume ratio is 2 : 1.
- Is hydrogen produced at the cathode or the anode?
- Hydrogen forms at the cathode, the negative pole where electrons are taken up (reduction). Oxygen forms at the anode, the positive pole where electrons are released (oxidation). Reduction always takes place at the cathode.
- What does the electrolysis app show?
- It shows a beaker with electrodes and collection tubes in 3D, with gas bubbles, migrating ions and electron flow. Panels list the half-equations, voltage, current, the gas volumes produced and their ratio. An explain mode lets an AI tutor demonstrate the app.
Subject: Chemistry
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