Question

During electrolysis of water a few drops of sulphuric acid is added into water. Why?

September 15, 2024

Answer

During the electrolysis of water, a few drops of sulfuric acid are added to enhance the conductivity of the water. Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity, which makes it difficult for the electrolysis process to occur efficiently.

Adding sulfuric acid (an acid that dissociates into ions) increases the number of free ions in the solution. These ions help carry the electric current more effectively, allowing the electrolysis process to happen more quickly and efficiently, resulting in the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases.

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