[Jay-qu]

Although that was a rather rude blunt and non-scientific answer, the answer has been explained in subsequent posts. The electons in AC ocsillate, they move backwards and forwards, common household AC is 60Hz here and I think 50Hz in the US. Therefore there is no lasting effect upon using this kind of current. Yes perhaps on a molecular level the water may be oxidised or reduced, but the reaction would quickly be reversed in .02seconds when the current flips.

[GAHD]

I beleive this applies:

http://hypography.com/forums/chemistry/6608-hho.html

some of the claims in the patents and whatnot indicate the current-flow *is* ac at the generator, if my memory servs.

[hallenrm]

Originally Posted by Jay-qu

Therefore there is no lasting effect upon using this kind of current. Yes perhaps on a molecular level the water may be oxidised or reduced, but the reaction would quickly be reversed in .02seconds when the current flips.

Care to substantiate your claim scientifically?

[Jay-qu]

how so? that is the extent of what I can claim to know scientifically.. alternating current results in no permanent transfer in electrons. If I am mistaken correct me, but dont say im not been scientific about it.

[hallenrm]

What I am alluding to is the claim that within 0.5 sec. no electrochemical proccess can occur. I think it is just your impression and not based on any hard scientific fact. Let me confess, that is what it appeared to me also, but when I reasoned it for awhile, i see no reason to believe that within half a second no electrochemical reaction can take place!!!

[Boerseun]

Originally Posted by hallenrm

What I am alluding to is the claim that within 0.5 sec. no electrochemical proccess can occur. I think it is just your impression and not based on any hard scientific fact. Let me confess, that is what it appeared to me also, but when I reasoned it for awhile, i see no reason to believe that within half a second no electrochemical reaction can take place!!!

Not intentionally picking nits, but you're referring to a 2Hz AC system. Standard household AC is betwen 50 to 60Hz, depending on the grid. This means your half-a-second comes down to 0.02 second per cycle.
If your frequency is as low as 2Hz, the alternating current won't be able to do any useful work through induction, and will be virtually useless.

[Jay-qu]

apart from the fact of the frequency, the point i was making is that even if a reaction takes place, it will be reversed when the current reverses.

[hallenrm]

Originally Posted by Jay-qu

apart from the fact of the frequency, the point i was making is that even if a reaction takes place, it will be reversed when the current reverses.

How, please explain, suppose some oxygen is produced at one electrode by the electrolysis of water, do you mean to say that this electrochemical process will be reversed tp produce water at that electrode.

I can now sense the real culprit, usually one tends to equate an electrochemical process with electrplating or electro-dissolution, say the electrochemical process that takes place on a copper electrode with copper sulfate as the electrolyte. But electrolysisis different.

As regards the response of Boerseun

but you're referring to a 2Hz AC system. Standard household AC is betwen 50 to 60Hz, depending on the grid. This means your half-a-second comes down to 0.02 second per cycle.
If your frequency is as low as 2Hz, the alternating current won't be able to do any useful work through induction, and will be virtually useless.

Yes, it was an inadverent mistake, Thanks for pointing out. But the process in question is electrolysis and not inductive load. An AC of that low frequency would be much more effective by the mechanism I have outlined.

Here's a link which readers of this thread would find useful and interesting/

By the way, the real crux of the problem is electrochemical kinetics, that is how fast does the electrolytic reaction occurs on the electrode. I have been searching but without success, anyone who has any clues please help!

[Turtle]

I propose a simple experiment to resolve the issue of whether 50 -60 Hz AC current electrolyzes water, that is to say breaks water molecules into Oxygen & Hydrogen.

First, use a low voltage AC such as from a model train transformer - most of these have 17 VAC terminals to run lights & switches on the train board.
With the normal setup of a tank of salted water & 2 electrodes, submerge 2 test tubes or similar vessels in the electrolyte & then carefully invert each one over an electrode. Turn on the juice. If the electrolyte level in the tubes drops, then electrolysis is occurring; otherwise, not.

Postscript: The above experiment yields ideal results only if the electrodes consist of pure gold, as it does not electrolyze.

[hallenrm]

This experiment can also work with carbon rods salvaged from a used drycell.