In 1800, a British chemist, _________ had shown that if electrodes were immersed in water, and a current was passed, bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen were produced.

The correct answer is William Nicholson.

Key Points

• William Nicholson was a British chemist and inventor who first demonstrated the process of electrolysis in 1800.
• He immersed electrodes in water and passed an electric current, producing bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen gases.
• This experiment marked the discovery of electrolysis—the decomposition of water into its constituent elements using electricity.
• Nicholson’s work laid the foundation for understanding chemical reactions driven by electric currents, influencing both chemistry and physics.
• His findings were pivotal in developing industrial applications, including electroplating and electrochemical synthesis.

Additional Information

• Electrolysis: A chemical process where electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, often decomposing compounds into their elements.
• Hydrogen and Oxygen Production: During electrolysis of water, hydrogen gas is released at the cathode (negative electrode), and oxygen gas is released at the anode (positive electrode).
• Electrodes: Conductive materials that allow the passage of electric currents into or out of the electrolyte solution during electrolysis.
• Applications of Electrolysis: Electrolysis is widely used in industries for electroplating, metal refining, and hydrogen production as a clean energy source.
• Historical Significance: Nicholson’s discovery was a milestone in the study of electrochemistry, influencing scientists like Michael Faraday in advancing the field further.