Describe the reactions during the electrolysis of water :

a) oxygen is reduced and hydrogen is oxidized.

b) oxygen and hydrogen are both oxidized.

c) oxygen and hydrogen are both reduced.

d) oxygen is oxidized and hydrogen is reduced.

e) neither oxygen or hydrogen are oxidized or reduced.

give a reason why you chose that answer.

D) Oxygen is oxidized and hydrogen is reduced.

Explanation:

The electrolysis of water is the decomposition of water ( as the name suggests) of water into hydrogen and oxygen. The general equation is

2 H₂O(l)  ⇒ 2 H₂ (g) + O₂ (g)

The hydrogen atom in the water molecule has been reduced since its oxidation snumber goes from  1⁺ to 0, and the oxygen has oxidized from 2⁻ to 0  , and in the balanced equation. The overall exchange of electron is 4.