Question

Electrolysis uses electrical current to break water molecules into oxygen gas and hydrogen gas. How do you know that this is a chemical change? There is a phase change from liquid to gas. Chemical bonds in the water molecule are broken. It is a single replacement reaction. Electrical current always causes a chemical change.

Answer 1

Chemical bonds in the water are broken.

As we know, water is made of hydrogen and oxygen. Thus, if an electric current is applied, it breaks the compound down to its individual elements. This is a chemical change.

Answer 2

Answer: Chemical bonds in the water molecule are broken.

Explanation:

A physical change is defined as a change in which there is alteration in shape, size etc. No new substance gets formed in these reactions.

Example: freezing of water

A chemical change is defined as a change in which a change in chemical composition takes place. A new substance is formed in these reactions.

Example: electrolysis of water

$H_2O(l)\rightarrow H_2(g)+\frac{1}{2}O_2(g)$

This is a decomposition reaction in which one reactant gives two or more than two products.

As the bonds between water are broken to form new bonds for formation of hydrogen and oxygen, the change is considered as chemical change.