What mainly increases when a small amount of acid is added during the electrolysis of water?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The number of ions
Pure water contains very few ions and is therefore a poor conductor of electricity. Adding a suitable acid, such as dilute sulphuric acid, increases the concentration of mobile ions in the solution. These ions carry charge between the electrodes, allowing electrolysis to proceed more readily. The acid is added to improve conductivity, not to increase water mass or give colour or hardness to the gases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The number of ions
Why is this the correct answer?
Pure water contains very few ions and is therefore a poor conductor of electricity. Adding a suitable acid, such as dilute sulphuric acid, increases the concentration of mobile ions in the solution. These ions carry charge between the electrodes, allowing electrolysis to proceed more readily. The acid is added to improve conductivity, not to increase water mass or give colour or hardness to the gases.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
