spectator ions during electrolysis of water acidified
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Answer:
Electrolysis of acidified water
Water is a poor conductor of electricity, but it does contain some hydrogen ions, H+, and hydroxide ions, OH-. These ions are formed when a small proportion of water molecules naturally dissociate. If water is acidified with a little dilute sulfuric acid:
H+ ions are attracted to the cathode, gain electrons and form hydrogen gas
OH- ions are attracted to the anode, lose electrons and form oxygen gas
The overall balanced equation for the process is: 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g)
The volume of hydrogen given off is twice the volume of oxygen given off.
Electrolysis of dissolved ionic compounds
An electrolyte formed by dissolving an ionic compound contains:
hydrogen ions from the water and positive ions from the compound
hydroxide ions from the water and negative ions from the compound
The ions compete at each electrode to gain or lose electrons.