Question

“Electrolysis of acidulated water is considered to be an example of catalysis.” Why?

Answer 1

Hint: We must know that catalysis is the process to increase the rate of chemical reaction by the addition of catalyst.


Complete step by step solution:
Let’s start with understanding the concept behind the word catalysis. Catalysis can be described as a process which is used to increase the rate of chemical reaction by adding a substance which is known as a catalyst. Catalysts are not consumed during reaction and can be used repeatedly.
Now, why would we consider electrolysis of acidulated water as an example of catalysis? Well, when we try to pass electricity through pure water without any salts present in it the electricity does not pass through it. Electricity doesn’t flow because there are no ions present in pure water. But when we add acid to it or we can say that when we acidulate the water the acid dissociates into ions, these ions help in the flow of electricity for example we are having pure water and we add dil. \[HCl\]to it. The dil. \[HCl\] dissociates which leads to the formation of \[{H^ + }\]and \[O{H^ - }\]ions. These ions help in the passing of current which results in the decomposition of water.
Hence, we can say electrolysis of acidulated water is considered to be an example of catalysis as acid acts as a catalyst which is added to pure water.


Note: We must know that electrolysis is the process in which ionic substances get broken down into smaller and simpler substances when electric current is passed through them. It is used for electroplating, electrometallurgy of aluminium, lithium, sodium and many more processes.