Question

in hydrolysis of sulfuric acidified H2O, why O2, Not SO4 at cathode?

Answer 1

Answer:

All acids give hydrogen at the cathode. The positive anode reaction is an oxidation electrode reaction (electron loss). The negative sulfate ions (SO42-) or the traces of hydroxide ions (OH–) are attracted to the positive electrode. But the sulfate ion is too stable and nothing happens (its not discharged).