Question

Sulphuric acid is used in lead-acid storage batteries.
(A) True
(B) False

Answer 1

Hint : In batteries, electrochemical processes are the foundation for converting chemical energy to electrical energy. An electrochemical reaction is an oxidation-reduction reaction in which the involved electrons are intelligently routed through an external circuit to do meaningful work.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
The electrons emitted at the negative electrode (cathode) travel through an external circuit to reach the positive electrode during battery discharge (anode). The flow of ions in an electrolyte determines charge neutrality inside the battery. As a result, the electrolyte must be a strong ion conductor. In a battery, the electrolyte may or may not participate in the processes taking place at the electrodes, but it must support them. In nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion batteries, for example, the electrolyte does not participate in the cell processes. A number of neutral/alkaline electrolytes, including ammonium chloride, zinc chloride, and potassium hydroxide, can be used in the zinc-manganese dioxide dry cells. The zinc-manganese dioxide cell with potassium hydroxide electrolyte can be formed as a primary cell or a secondary cell, depending on the chemicals utilised. The lead-acid battery works by oxidising lead at the anode and reducing lead dioxide at the cathode, resulting in the creation of lead sulphate. The entire cell reaction is frequently referred to as the double sulphate reaction since the outcome of battery discharge is lead sulphate on both electrodes. Sulphuric acid, the electrolyte of these batteries, is employed in the manufacture of lead sulphate products. Lead sulphate is transformed back to lead and lead dioxide during battery charging, releasing sulphuric acid into the electrolyte. The specific gravity of the electrolyte changes during battery usage and charge because sulphuric acid is consumed during discharge and released during charge. Lead-acid batteries' state-of-charge is determined by the specific gravity of the electrolyte. These batteries employ a sulphuric acid electrolyte because the fundamental processes in the battery include the absorption and release of sulphuric acid molecules.
Hence option A is correct.

Note :
Other electrolytes can, however, be used with the lead-lead dioxide combination. Perchloric acid, fluoroboric acid, fluorosilicic acid, and others are among them. However, issues with their application as electrolytes restrict their use. Perchloric acid, for example, can be explosive when it comes into touch with organic materials.