Final answer:
The short wave method of electrolysis allows for the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen by applying external electricity after increasing the water's conductivity with a solute like H₂SO₄ or Na₂SO₄.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Electrolysis Process
The short wave method of electrolysis refers to a technique used to decompose substances such as water into their constituent elements through the use of electricity. This process, unlike spontaneous chemical reactions, requires an external source of energy. Pure water by itself is not a good conductor of electricity.
Therefore, adding an ionic solute such as H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) or Na₂SO₄ (sodium sulfate) is necessary to increase its electrical conductivity. When a voltage is applied between inert electrodes inserted in the solution, it results in the rapid evolution of bubbles of H₂ at the cathode and O₂ at the anode, indicating the successful decomposition of water.