Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Chris Kairuz on 07/02/2011 03:30:01

Title: Can we produce water?
Post by: Chris Kairuz on 07/02/2011 03:30:01
Chris Kairuz  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris
 
I enjoy listening to your Friday morning programme on Radio 702 whenever I can.

A question I have is this: Can we produce water? If so, why don't we?
Hope you can help me with this.
 
Regards
Chris Kairuz
Kempton Park        

What do you think?
Title: Can we produce water?
Post by: lightarrow on 07/02/2011 19:45:19
Of course we can. We can produce even Gold, Diamonds and every chemical element. The problem is how it costs.
Title: Can we produce water?
Post by: CliffordK on 07/02/2011 20:42:53
Water is a compound (H2O), not a chemical element.

It is formed whenever anything that contains hydrogen is burnt.

Most of our fuels that we commonly use are primarily hydrogen/carbon compounds, appropriately called hydrocarbons.  When they are burnt, it produces a mix of water and carbon dioxide.

In fact, on a cold morning, you will notice a white cloud of smoke behind your car.  That is primarily water that is being produced in your car's engine.  You may even notice water dripping from the exhaust pipe.  You still get water produced on a hot day, but it leaves the exhaust as transparent water vapor.

We have plenty of oxygen in the air.  However, producing "new" water requires a hydrogen source such as hydrocarbons.

You can use electrolysis and combustion to produce very pure water, but it would be less efficient than distillation.
Title: Can we produce water?
Post by: lightarrow on 07/02/2011 21:55:34
Quote from: CliffordK on 07/02/2011 20:42:53
Water is a compound (H2O), not a chemical element.
Infact I haven't written that.  [:)]
Title: Can we produce water?
Post by: Geezer on 08/02/2011 04:07:11
I understand that Neil makes water quite often.
Title: Can we produce water?
Post by: lightarrow on 08/02/2011 13:06:23
Quote from: Geezer on 08/02/2011 04:07:11
I understand that Neil makes water quite often.
It depends on how much he stays in the Pub  [:)]