Chapter 18, Problem 45A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The given sentence needs to be completed.

Concept Introduction: Electrolysis is the breakdown of compound’s chemical bonds to create elemental substances. The method involves passing electrical current through the electrolyte which needs to be degraded at different voltage between two electrodes in between. The electrolytes consist of cations and anions.

Answer to Problem 45A

The explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases is produced in the battery.

Explanation of Solution

At the time of recharging of a battery, an important side reaction that is electrolysis of water takes place. In this reaction, hydrogen and oxygen gas is produced. The reaction is as follows:

${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(\text{l}\right)\to 2{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)+{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)$

If any precaution is not taken for dead automobile battery then it produces an explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gas.

Conclusion

The process to produce a chemical change through a cell by forcing a current is termed as electrolysis.