Answer to Question #180064 in General Chemistry for Robert

Question

I'm experimenting with electrolysis of water, is it ok if use 12 dc battery and I will use different electrode: one will platinum serve as an anode and the other will be stainless steel that will serve as a cathode then putting 1 tablespoon of NaOH in a 1300 ml distilled water?

Answer 1

A higher potential difference ( voltage) applied to the cell means the cathode will have more energy to bring out reduction , and the anode have more energy to bring about oxidation. Higher potential difference enables the electrolytic cells to oxidize or reduce energetically more difficult compounds . This can drastically change what product will form in a given experiment. On a practical level both current and voltage determine what will form in a cell

It is possible but not favorable.