On pages 126-127 it talks about the breakdown of NaOH:
If the solution of hydrochloric acid is replaced by one of caustic soda the caustic soda is split up by the current into oxygen, which is liberated at the anode, and metallic sodium which is deposited on the cathode; but since metallic sodium cannot exist in contact with water, the following reaction takes place at the cathode:
2Na + 2H2O = 2NaOH + H2
Thus, by a secondary reaction, hydrogen is liberated at the cathode, or, in other words, water is split into its constituents, while the caustic soda is reformed.
Wouldn't that mean that the reaction of sodium and water creates heat? This may explain why it is hard to control heat in our cells. I would assume the same applies to KOH as potassium also cannot exist in contact with water.
--
Some days I get the sinking feeling that Orwell was an optimist!