Which acid is preferrably used in acidulating/acidifying water during the elctrolysis of water?
Why? Explain in detail.

Open in App

Solution

Sulphuric acid is preferred for the process.

Explanation: Pure water is very weakly ionised and hence does not conduct electricity very well. Sulphuric acid basically increases the conductivity of water, and thereby speeds up the process of electrolysis. However it does not affect the chemical composition of the reactant or products, it only increases the speed of the reaction. Thus it is playing the role of a catalyst.
Also, this suggests that sulphuric acid is a good conductor of electricity.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Why a dilute acid is added to water during electrolysis of water?

For the electrolysis of acidulated water, dilute sulphuric acid $d i l . H_{2} S O_{4}$ is preferred over dilute nitric acid $d i l . H N O_{3}$ for acidification.

Q. Give a reason for the following:
In the electrolysis of acidified water, dilute sulphuric acid is preferred to dilute nitric acid for acidification.

During electrolysis of acidulated water, which gas is collected at cathode and which gas is collected at anode?

(a) What is meant by the chemical effect of electric current ? Explain with the help of an example.
(b) Name any two applications of the chemical effect of electric current.
(c) What is electrolysis ? Explain why, in the electrolysis of water, 'acidified water' is used.

Join BYJU'S Learning Program

Which acid is preferrably used in acidulating/acidifying water during the elctrolysis of water? Why? Explain in detail.

Which acid is preferrably used in acidulating/acidifying water during the elctrolysis of water?
Why? Explain in detail.