What would happen if dil. H2so4 is not added to water?
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Pure water is a very poor electrical conductor because there are few ions in it; only 10⁻⁷ mol/L of H⁺ and same concentration of OH⁻. Rate of electrolysis depends on electrical current that trespass electrochemical cell, so very low current means unnoticeable production of oxygen and hydrogen.
Electrolyte must be added to the solution to raise conductivity of the solution and then increasing electrolysis rate. Sulfuric acid is not a bad choice, but is risky due to its acidity. Same for sodium hydroxide or another strong base that are also harmful. Thus, salts are the best candidates for electrolytes, but any anion or cation that can be oxidized or reduced must be avoided (after all, you want only water reacting). This rules out acetate, nitrate, nitrite, chloride, bromide, iodide and most metals except alkaline and alkaline earth metals. Electrolyte must also be nontoxic, safe, easy to obtain and cheap. The best choice is sodium sulfate.
Electrolyte must be added to the solution to raise conductivity of the solution and then increasing electrolysis rate. Sulfuric acid is not a bad choice, but is risky due to its acidity. Same for sodium hydroxide or another strong base that are also harmful. Thus, salts are the best candidates for electrolytes, but any anion or cation that can be oxidized or reduced must be avoided (after all, you want only water reacting). This rules out acetate, nitrate, nitrite, chloride, bromide, iodide and most metals except alkaline and alkaline earth metals. Electrolyte must also be nontoxic, safe, easy to obtain and cheap. The best choice is sodium sulfate.
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pure water is bad conductor of electricity so if the sulphuric acid is not added to distilled water then the electrolysis process may not take place easily.
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