Question

Which of the following ions will readily discharge at the anode during the electrolysis of acidified water?

Options

• OH⁻

• \[\ce{SO^{2-}4}\]

• Cl⁻

• H⁺

Answer 1

OH⁻

Explanation:

Hydroxide ions (OH⁻) occupy a lower position in the electrochemical series of anions than sulphate ions \[\ce{(SO^{2-}4)}\], so they discharge preferentially at the anode.