Electrolysis of water using a Hoffman apparatus. Electrolysis uses an electrical current to decompose molecules of water. Reactions at the two electrodes are powered by the electric current from the battery. Oxygen and hydrogen gas bubbles are evolved at the anode and cathode respectively. Water molecules are composed of two hydrogen atoms and an atom of oxygen, leaving twice as much hydrogen as oxygen trapped in the test tubes. A burning splint ignites the hydrogen gas, while the oxygen relights a glowing splint.