What is the primary product of the electrolysis of water?

The primary product of the electrolysis of water is hydrogen and oxygen gas. During the electrolysis process, an electric current is passed through water, leading to its decomposition into these two gaseous products. At the anode (the positive electrode), oxygen is generated, while at the cathode (the negative electrode), hydrogen is produced. The reaction involves the splitting of water molecules (H2O) into H2 and O2, typically occurring in a 2:1 ratio, which is why both gases are produced simultaneously as a result of this process.

This understanding is crucial since it highlights how electrolysis serves as a method for hydrogen production, a key aspect for industries and energy applications. Other options, such as simply hydrogen gas or oxygen gas alone, do not accurately represent the complete outcome of the reaction, as electrolysis simultaneously produces both gases. Hydrogen peroxide is not a product of this process under normal electrolysis conditions; it is a different compound that can be formed through other chemical reactions but not directly through the electrolysis of water.