Question

Why do we use few drops of dilute HCl acid to the electrolyte before we plug in the electrodes to the direct current?

• A. To add chloride ions
• B. To collect hydrogen gas
• C. For efficient electrolytic conduction
• D. To activate solutes

Answer 1

The correct option is C

For efficient electrolytic conduction

Normally water has enough free ions to conduct the electrolysis without any glitch but it is always advisable to add few drops of HCl to electrolyte for better ionisation and electrolysis performance. The split is complete and ions travel to respective electrodes efficiently.