Question

Why is it necessary to add acid to water before proceeding with the electrolysis of 'water'?

Answer 1

The degree of ionization of pure water is very low. It contains only molecules and lacks ions; hence it cannot ionize, and thus, cannot conduct electricity. But when acid is added, ions from the acid are introduced into pure water. The degree of ionization in the acidulated water increases and due to this, water conducts electricity. Thus, the presence of ions is essential for electrolysis reaction to occur, and so it is necessary to add acid to water before proceeding with the electrolysis of 'water'.