Bright Tutorials Bright Tutorials
ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Question 42 of 60

Electrolysis — Question 42

Back to all questions
42
Question

Question 1(2018)

Choose the correct answer from the options given : The electrolysis of acidified water is an example of :

  1. Reduction
  2. Oxidation
  3. Redox reaction
  4. Synthesis
Answer

Redox reaction
Reason — Reaction at cathode: Hydrogen ions, H+ being the only positively charged ions migrate to the cathode. Since, the cathode is a reservoir of electrons , H+ ions gain an electron and become a neutral hydrogen atom. Therefore reduction takes place at cathode.

H+ + e- ⟶ H

H + H ⟶ H2

Reaction at anode : SO42- and OH- ions both migrate to the anode. OH-being lower in electrochemical series is discharged preferentially.

OH- ions loses an electron to the anode and becomes neutral OH. The combination of OH forms water with the liberation of oxygen, given off at anode.

OH- ⟶ OH + e-

OH + OH ⟶ H2O + O

O + O ⟶ O2

Therefore, oxidation takes place at anode. Hence, electrolysis of acidified water is an example of redox reaction