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

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement I is correct because bubbles forming on the wire attached to the negative electrode (also called the cathode) indicate the production of hydrogen gas through reduction of water. 
The statement II is correct because the wire attached to the positive electrode (also called the anode) is where oxidation of water takes place, producing oxygen gas. 
Statements III and IV are incorrect as they describe the opposite reaction occurring at each electrode.

Bubbles Will Form on Wires Attached to a 9 V