How to divide hydrogen from water?

ok, general consensus process called electrolysis. involves passing electric current of 3 or 4 volts dc (or more) through water. water break down elements @ each of 2 electrodes.

2h2o(l) --electricity--> 2h2(g) + o2(g)

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http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&so...

read disturbed me. several comments suggested using acid electrolyte. invariably, when people think of "acid" think of hydrochloric acid. bad idea, since electrolysis of hcl solution produce chlorine (cl2) gas rather oxygen gas. sulfuric acid, h2so4, work, though.

better choice electrolyte base, sodium hydroxide. sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate commonly used. electrolyte needed conduct electricity, since water nonconductive in pure state.

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"half-reaction" not correct reduction reaction in electrolysis of water.
"2h+ + 2e- -> h2"

should be:
2h2o + 2e- --> h2 + 2oh-

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