Yes. The electron lost in the process is released as energy. It literally generates electricity (the movement of electrons) when they combine. This is exactly how a hydrogen fuel cell produces electricity. H2 and O2 are combined, O loses an electron, which becomes energy, and the end product is H2O (water). |
I thought the energy came from the change in bond lengths? H2O has a neutral charge, as well as H2 and O2, so there wouldn't be a lost electron. |