S P Singh Solutions for Chapter: Electrolysis, Exercise 2: Intext Questions

To carry out the so-called "electrolysis of water". Sulphuric acid is added to water.

How does the addition of sulphuric acid produce a conducting solution ?

Electrolysis of acidulated water is an example of _____reaction (Reduction/oxidation/redox/synthesis).

Explain the following:

A solution of cane sugar does not conduct electricity, but a solution of sodium chloride is a good conductor.

Explain the following: Hydrochloric acid is a good conductor of electricity.

Explain the following:

During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of $\mathrm{NaCl}$, hydrogen ion is reduced at the cathode and not the sodium ion though both ${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ ions are present in the solution.

Explain the following:  On electrolysis of dilute copper (II) sulphate solution, copper is deposited at the cathode but no hydrogen gas evolves there. Explain why?

When a dilute aqueous solution of sodium chloride is electrolysed between platinum electrodes, hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode but metallic sodium is not deposited. Why?

Explain the following: Zinc can produce hydrogen on reacting with acids but copper cannot. Explain.