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General Science • ChemistryMedium

During the electrolysis of acidified water, which gas is liberated at the anode?

A. Hydrogen
B. Oxygen✓ Correct Answer
C. Nitrogen
D. Carbon dioxide

💡 Solution & Explanation

During the electrolysis of acidified water, oxygen gas is liberated at the positively charged anode through an oxidation half-reaction, while hydrogen gas is collected at the negatively charged cathode. Water molecules undergo decomposition in the presence of dilute sulfuric acid because pure water is a poor conductor of electricity. The volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen collected is two to one.

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