Chapter 18, Problem 18.7VP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The questions based on the given figure are to be answered.

Concept introduction: Electrolysis of water is an electrochemical process in which water molecule dissociates in to its constituents. As a result hydrogen and oxygen gases are liberated. Addition of a small quantity of acid speeds up the process of electrolysis.

Redox reaction is the combination of two half reactions that are oxidation half and reduction half.

Oxidation is a process in which loss of electrons take place, while in reduction gain of electron take place. In voltaic cell during the process of redox reaction electrons are generated on anode and then transfer to the cathode by the external circuit. In this way we can say that the process of oxidation occurs at the anode and the process of reduction occurs at cathode and hence, electron flows.

To determine: The half-reactions at the left and right electrodes and their standard potentials.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

To determine: The reason for the corresponding fact that the sulfuric acid makes the electrolysis reactions more rapid.