Start Learning Free

Before You Begin

Question #44137

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

An aqueous solution of cold 50% w/w \ceH2SO450\% \text{ w/w } \ce{H2SO4} is electrolyzed at 273 K273 \text{ K} using inert \cePt\ce{Pt} electrodes. During the process, a total of 12.32 L12.32 \text{ L} of gas (measured at STP, where 1 mol=22.4 L1 \text{ mol} = 22.4 \text{ L}) is collected from both electrodes combined. The current efficiency for the formation of peroxydisulfate (\ceS2O82−\ce{S2O8^{2-}}) at the anode is 80%80\%, with the remaining anodic current resulting in the evolution of \ceO2\ce{O2} gas. The cathodic current efficiency for \ceH2\ce{H2} evolution is 100%100\%. The entire anodic solution is subsequently subjected to complete hydrolysis. What is the mass of \ceH2O2\ce{H2O2} produced?

Options

  • A.

    13.6 g

  • B.

    18.7 g

  • C.

    27.2 g

  • D.

    0.0 g

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Mechanism_Trap

Don't get tricked by the process! Learn the mechanical traps used in competitive exam questions.

Concepts Behind This Question

Peroxy Linkage Identification|Electrolysis Product Prediction|Half-Reaction Media Sensitivity

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This problem tests the 'Media Sensitivity' and 'Kinetic Overpotential' exceptions in electrolysis.

Students often blindly apply standard reduction potentials (Nernst predictions) and assume 100% oxygen evolution at the anode (Option D), ignoring that cold, concentrated sulfuric acid on a platinum electrode kinetically favors the oxidation of sulfate to peroxydisulfate.

The trap is further layered by requiring the student to account for simultaneous gas evolution at both electrodes to correctly determine the total passed charge, and finally applying the correct stoichiometry for the sequential hydrolysis of the peroxy linkage.

Option B traps students who assume 100% current efficiency for peroxydisulfate, ignoring the competing oxygen evolution.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectChemistry
ChapterRedox Reactions - Class 11 Part 2
ConceptPeroxy Linkage Identification
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree