D
Explanation:
The full, balanced equation divided into the balanced half-reactions where the hydrogen gas is oxidized, and the oxygen gas is reduced, is:
Anode half-reaction: 2 H2(g) →4 H+(aq)+4 e−2H2(g) →4H+(aq)+4e−
Cathode half-reaction: O2(g)+4 H+(aq)+4 e− →2 H2O(l)
The number of electrons required from these half-reactions can be identified as 4.
This question is categorized as hard. The student must be able to separate the hydrogen and oxygen gases to their correct electrodes and determine which is oxidized and which is reduced.
The easiest way to start this is to recognize that if the hydrogen were to be reduced, then it become negatively charged, which is not as stable as the cationic form (H+). Therefore, the hydrogen gas must be oxidized and the oxygen gas reduced.
From that point, the student must correctly place the water in the oxygen’s half-reaction.
Another strategy that is effective is to determine the oxidation state changes for the elements in each half-reaction. Oxidation will occur at the anode, and so the half-reaction must have an increased change in oxidation state. At the cathode, reduction will be occurring and so the oxidation state will decrease.