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JAMB Chemistry 1979 Question 20

Question 20

Electrolysis

In the electrolysis of dilute sulphuric acid using platinum electrodes, the products obtained at the anode and cathode are:

  1. A.Anode: Sulphur; Cathode: hydrogen
  2. B.Anode: Hydrogen; Cathode: oxygen
  3. C.Anode: Oxygen; Cathode: hydrogen
  4. D.Anode: Hydrogen; Cathode: sulphate ions
  5. E.Anode: Sulphur; Cathode: oxygen
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Anode: Oxygen; Cathode: hydrogen)

Explanation

OH− ions are discharged at the anode as oxygen and H+ ions at the cathode as hydrogen; in effect water is electrolysed.