Question

Write the chemical equation of the electrolysis of water to which little sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) is added.

Answer 1

H₂SO₄ (l) + 2H₂O (l) → 2H₃O (aq) + SO^2-₂ (aq) at cathode: 

2H₃O⁺ (aq) + 2e^- → H₂(g) + 2H₂O (l) (reduction)

at anode: 

2H₂O (l) → O₂ (g) + 4H^- (aq) + 4e^-  (oxidation)