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ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Question 20 of 60

Electrolysis — Question 8

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Question 8

To carry out the so-called 'electrolysis of water', sulphuric acid is added to water. How does the addition of sulphuric acid produce a conducting solution ?

Answer

Water in pure state consists almost entirely of molecules. Hence it is a non-electrolyte that will not conduct electricity.
Water is a polar covalent compound. It can be electrolytically decomposed by addition of traces of dil. H2SO4 which dissociates as: H+1 and SO42- and help in dissociating water into H+1 and OH- ions. Thus, dilute sulphuric acid catalyses the ionisation of water to produce a conducting solution.