Question

While charging the lead storage battery:
a.) $PbS{O_4}$ anode is reduced to $Pb$
b.) $PbS{O_4}$ cathode is reduced to $Pb$
c.) $PbS{O_4}$ cathode is oxidized to $Pb$
d.) $PbS{O_4}$ anode is oxidized to $Pb{O_2}$

Answer 1

Hint: For solving this question, we have to learn about the lead storage battery and the concept behind it, including its properties and how it can be recharged and its reaction. We will also learn what are anode and cathode and what is the role of lead storage batteries. Hence this information will lead us in approaching our answer.

Complete step by step solution:
Lead storage batteries can store a lot of charge and provide high current for short periods of time. As we should know that discharging the stored energy relies on both the positive and negative plates becoming lead (ll) sulfate and the electrolyte losing dissolved sulfuric acid that is dissolved in it. Lead Storage battery is a secondary cell type of battery. Lead storage batteries have a large current capability. It can be made for a variety of applications. Also, it is tolerant of overcharging and tolerant to abuse. Remember that this battery must always be stored at full state -of-charge whether lead storage battery has moderate life span, but it is not subject to memory as we see in nickel-based systems. Anode (in a battery) is the negative or reducing electrode that releases electrons to external circuit and oxidizes during and electrochemical reaction whether the cathode is the positive or oxidizing electrode that acquires electrons from the external circuit and is reduced during the electrochemical reaction takes place.
While charging the lead storage battery, the reaction occurs on battery is reversed which means that while charging $PbS{O_4}$ is converted into Pb on anode and while on cathode $PbS{O_4}$ is converted into $Pb{O_2}$. (The half-reactions occurring are the exact reverse of those that occur when the cell is operating as a voltaic cell).

Therefore, the correct answer is A - $PbS{O_4}$ anode is reduced to $Pb$.

Note: The lead storage can't be discharged indefinitely because the electrodes lose sulfate. Lead storage batteries are capable of recharged, which is important for its use in cars. Discharging the stored energy which mostly relies on both the positive and negative plates becoming lead(ll) sulfate and the electrolyte taking place in reaction losing much of its dissolved sulfuric acid. The batteries have a wide application in automobiles like cars, trucks etc.