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Question

During the electrolysis of acidified water, where would oxygen and hydrogen gas be liberated?

A
Oxygen is liberated at anode, hydrogen is liberated at cathode
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B
Oxygen is liberated at cathode, hydrogen is liberated at anode
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C
Both are liberated at cathode
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D
Both are liberated at anode
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Solution

The correct option is A Oxygen is liberated at anode, hydrogen is liberated at cathode
During the electrolysis of acidified water, H+ ions are obtained when sulphuric acid ionizes. The H+ ions combines with water and forms H3O+ ions. Following reaction takes place between the water and sulphuric acid: H2SO4(aq)+2H2O(l)2H3O+(aq)+SO24(aq)

Therefore, the reaction which occurs at cathode is:
2H3O+(aq)+2eH2(g)+2H2O(l)

Though the ion which moves towards anode is SO24, the actual reaction which occurs at anode is:
2H2O(l)O2(g)+4H+(aq)+4e

This is because water has a high tendency to get oxidised than SO24.

Hence, oxygen gas gets liberated at anode and hydrogen gas gets liberated at cathode.


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