Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

How do you calculate the ideal voltage? The estimate on the procedure does not explain. It simply asserts that the reaction should require 1.23V to maintain a 3mA current.

Hello,

I’m assuming that you’re working on the project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p099.shtml

The voltage you asked about is the standard cell potential for splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen.
It means that at least 1.23 volts are required to make the reaction proceed. Some more information is provided at the following link.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis_of_water

I hope this helps and good luck with your project. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman

Thank you for your assistance and the link you provided.

norman40 wrote:Hello,

I’m assuming that you’re working on the project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p099.shtml

The voltage you asked about is the standard cell potential for splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen.
It means that at least 1.23 volts are required to make the reaction proceed. Some more information is provided at the following link.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis_of_water

I hope this helps and good luck with your project. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman