In the electrolysis of water, it breaks down into oxygen and hydrogen. The well-balanced chemical equation for this reaction can be written as:
`2H_2O (l) -> 2H_2 (g) + O_2 (g)`
Using stoichiometry, 2 moles of water produces 2 moles of hydrogen gas and 1 mole of oxygen gas.
This reaction takes place in an electrolytic cell.
Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1 in water and after electrolysis, it attains an oxidation state of 0, that is, it gains an electron. The half-cell reaction for hydrogen reduction can be written as:
`2H^+ + 2e^(-) -> H_2`
That is, 2 electrons are transferred for making 1 molecules of hydrogen gas, from protons. In other words, 2 moles of electrons are transferred for making 1 mole of hydrogen gas.
These electrons are donated by oxygen during its oxidation, as per the following reaction:
`H_2O -> 1/2 O_2 + 2H^(+) + 2e^-`
Adding the two half reactions together, we get:
`H_2O -> 1/2 O_2 + H_2`
which is the same as the equation for electrolysis of water.
Thus, 2 moles of electrons are transferred from oxygen to hydrogen for each mole of hydrogen gas produced.
Hope this helps.
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