Chapter 19.3, Problem 1RC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The correct statement regarding half-reaction that takes place in an automobile lead-acid battery is to be determined from the given option.

Concept introduction:

• The substance that easily be reduced in a reaction is represented as an oxidizing agent. For metal cations, a good oxidizing agent can be determined by the standard reduction potential values.
• Half-cell: In the electrochemical cell, both oxidation and reduction occurs. Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode.
• In lead storage battery, metallic lead is anode and lead covered with lead oxide is the cathode. The electrodes are dipped in aqueous $H_{2}S{O}_4$.

The reaction taking place in lead storage battery is,

$Pb\left(s\right)+Pb{O}_2\left(s\right)+2H_{2}S{O}_4\left(aq\right)\underset{}{\to }2PbS{O}_4\left(s\right)+2H_{2}O$