Question

The electrolysis of acidified water is an example of:

• A. Reduction
• B. Oxidation
• C. Redox reaction
• D. Synthesis

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Redox reaction

Explanation for the correct option:
Option $\left(c\right)$:
Water is poor conductor of electricity. It contains very small amount of hydrogen$\left({\mathrm{H}}^{+}\right)$ and Hydride${\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}^{-}$ions. When acidified a little with a acid (Sulphuric acid) it gives redox reaction. The reaction is shown as,
$2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to 2{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$

Explanation for the incorrect options:
Option $\left(\mathrm{a}\right)$:
When a reactants gains electrons it gets reduced. So it is not the correct option.
Option $\left(\mathrm{b}\right)$:
When a reactant loses electron it get oxidized. So it is not the correct option.
Option $\left(\mathrm{c}\right)$:
It is an combination of two or more different reactants to form a new compound. No such new compound is formed in electrolysis of water. So it is not the correct option.

Hence, option(c) redox reaction is the correct option.