What is the role of sulfuric acid H2SO4 in electrolysis of water?

Answer 1

Electrolysis of pure water is very slow, and can only occur due to the self-ionization of water. Pure water has an electrical conductivity about one millionth that of seawater. It is sped up dramatically by adding an electrolyte (such as a salt, an acid or a base).

Answer 2

Because there is low concentration of ions in water and hence it is a poor conductor of electricity. So dilute sulphuric acid is added to increase the ion concentration in water so that electrolysis may be carried out faster.

Answer 3

There are two reasons for this:

1. It improves the conductivity of the electrolyte.

2. If the solution is concentrated, it prevents the precipitation of copper(II) hydroxide.

Answer 4

To raise the electrical conductivity of the liquid.

Answer 5

It provides ions to the medium and serves as a catalyst.

Answer 6

The NaOH acts as a catalyst for the reaction.

Answer 7

AA

Answer 8

free ions