Bubbles will form on wires attached to a 9 V battery placed in water.Which statements correctly describe what is happening?
I.The wire attached to the( -) battery electrode becomes the cathode, and water is being reduced there producing hydrogen gas.
II.The wire attached to the (+) battery electrode becomes the anode, and water is being oxidized there producing oxygen gas.
III.The wire attached to the( -) battery electrode becomes the cathode, and water is being oxidized there producing oxygen gas.
IV.The wire attached to the (+) battery electrode becomes the anode, and water is being reduced there producing hydrogen gas.

Question

Bubbles will form on wires attached to a 9 V battery placed in water.Which statements correctly describe what is happening? 
I.The wire attached to the( -) battery electrode becomes the cathode, and water is being reduced there producing hydrogen gas.
II.The wire attached to the (+) battery electrode becomes the anode, and water is being oxidized there producing oxygen gas.
III.The wire attached to the( -) battery electrode becomes the cathode, and water is being oxidized there producing oxygen gas.
IV.The wire attached to the (+) battery electrode becomes the anode, and water is being reduced there producing hydrogen gas.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

I and II are correct because in electrolysis, the electrode connected to the negative terminal of the battery becomes the cathode and reduces water to produce hydrogen gas, while the electrode connected to the positive terminal becomes the anode and oxidizes water to produce oxygen gas.

Bubbles Will Form on Wires Attached to a 9 V