Question

The cathodic reaction in the electrolysis of dilute H₂SO₄ with platinum electrodes is ______.

Options

• oxidation

• reduction

• both oxidation and reduction

• neutralisation

Answer 1

The cathodic reaction in the electrolysis of dilute H₂SO₄ with platinum electrodes is reduction.

Explanation:

In the electrolysis of dilute H₂SO₄ using platinum electrodes, hydrogen ions (H⁺) are reduced at the cathode to form hydrogen gas.

\[\ce{2H+ + 2e- -> H2_{(g)}}\]

This is a reduction reaction, as it involves the gain of electrons.