Question

In a lead-storage battery, the product of both cathode and anode half-reactions is?

1) H₂SO₄
2) Pb
3) PbO₂
4) PbSO₄

Answer 1

The product of both cathode and anode half-reactions in a lead-storage battery is PbSO4 (lead sulfate).

Step-by-step explanation:

The product of both cathode and anode half-reactions in a lead-storage battery is PbSO4 (lead sulfate). During the discharge process, at the anode, lead reacts with sulfate ions to form lead sulfate and release electrons. At the cathode, lead dioxide also reacts with sulfate ions, along with hydrogen ions and electrons, to form lead sulfate and water.

This accumulation of lead sulfate solid represents the cell’s overall reaction: Pb(s) + PbO2 (s) + 2 H2SO4 (aq) → 2 PbSO4(s) + 2 H2O(l). The solid lead sulfate forms on the electrode plates and can also be regenerated into the original reactants upon recharging the battery.