Question

In the electrolysis of water
1. Name the gas collected at anode and cathode.
2. why is the volume of gas collected at one electrode double than the other?
3. what will happen if dil H2SO4 is not added to water

Answer 1

1)hydrogen at cathode and oxygen at anode
2)when one molecule of water i.e H20 is dissociate it forms two molecule of hydrogen H2 and one molecule of oxygen 02.hence volume of one electode is double than other.
3)Well, the simplest answer is "electrolysis process will remain slow".
Generally, electrolysis of water is slow. The self-ionization of water is the main reason for electrolysis. But, the conductivity of water remains low. Addition of sulfuric acid causes an increase in conductivity. Acid dissociates to produce ions which result in increased conductivity. So, if H2SO4 is not added to water, the conductivity of water will remain low resulting in slow electrolysis.