wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
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
Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses
B
Oxygen is liberated at cathode, hydrogen is liberated at anode
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
C
Both are liberated at cathode
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
D
Both are liberated at anode
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
Open in App
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.


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Electrolysis of Acidified Water
CHEMISTRY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon