Which scientist was the first to show electrolysis of water?

Options

A. Oersted
B. William Nicholson
C. Michael Faraday
D. Galileo

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks which scientist was the first to demonstrate the electrolysis of water.

2. **Identifying the Scientists**: The options provided are William Nicholson, Michael Faraday, and Galileo.

3. **Researching Each Scientist**:
- **William Nicholson**: He is known for his experiments with electrolysis and was the first to demonstrate the electrolysis of water.
- **Michael Faraday**: He made significant contributions to the field of electrochemistry but was not the first to demonstrate electrolysis of water.
- **Galileo**: He was primarily known for his work in astronomy and physics, not electrolysis.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the historical contributions of these scientists, William Nicholson is recognized as the first scientist to show the electrolysis of water.

5. **Final Answer**: The scientist who first demonstrated the electrolysis of water is William Nicholson.

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