Explore the Electrolysis of Water
Split water into hydrogen and oxygen and watch the bubbles collect in a 2:1 ratio. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Electrolysis of Water with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Electrolysis of Water?
Split water into hydrogen and oxygen and watch the bubbles collect in a 2:1 ratio. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Electrolysis produces hydrogen fuel, chlorine, aluminium and pure metals, and is used in electroplating and water treatment.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Electrolysis uses electrical energy to force a non-spontaneous reaction.
At the cathode water is reduced to H₂, and at the anode it is oxidised to O₂.
Twice as much hydrogen gas forms as oxygen: 2 H₂O → 2 H₂ + O₂.
Raise the voltage.
Add salt.
Compare H₂ and O₂ volumes.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Electrochemistry learners
Chemistry students studying redox, batteries and electrolysis, and teachers who want a clear picture of where the electrons go.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Electrolysis of Water on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Add salt. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why is there twice as much hydrogen as oxygen?
Water is H₂O, so splitting 2 H₂O gives 4 hydrogen atoms (2 H₂) and 2 oxygen atoms (1 O₂). Equal amounts of gas means twice the volume of hydrogen.
What is the difference between a galvanic and an electrolytic cell?
A galvanic cell makes electricity from a spontaneous reaction. An electrolytic cell uses electricity to force a non-spontaneous reaction.
Is the Electrolysis of Water free to use?
Yes. The Electrolysis of Water is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Electrochemistry group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Electrolysis of Water work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Electrolysis of Water takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 2 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Electrolysis of Water?
1. In the Electrolysis of Water, use the controls to change Voltage, Dissolved salt (conductivity). The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Electrolysis of Water, press "Switch on", "Empty tubes" to start, reset or change what is happening. 3. Start with this experiment: Raise the voltage. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Electrolysis of Water responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Electrolysis uses electrical energy to force a non-spontaneous reaction.
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Split water into hydrogen and oxygen and watch the bubbles collect in a 2:1 ratio. Free to use.
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