DECOMPOSITION OF WATER. 677 



the surface of each electrode, which collect at the top of 

 the tubes. The volume of gas liberated at the cathode is 

 about double that at the anode ; the former is hydrogen, 

 the latter oxygen. When one of the tubes is full of hy- 

 drogen, it is lifted out of the liquid and inverted, while 



FIG. 343 (an. pro}'. ; real size}. 



a burning splinter is brought rapidly close to the mouth 

 of the tube. The gas which escapes burns with the 

 pale non-luminous flame peculiar to hydrogen. The 

 second tube, after the decomposition has been allowed 

 to go on for some time longer, is similarly removed; 

 it is also turned mouth upwards and a splinter of wood 



