Question

Why is hydroxide ions discharged at the anode and not the sulphate ions aqueous solution of dilute sulphuric acid?

Answer 1

When dilute sulfuric acid is electrolyzed, the hydrogen ions are discharged at the cathode to form hydrogen gas, while the hydroxide ions are discharged at the anode to form water and oxygen gas. This is because the hydrogen ions are more easily reduced and the hydroxide ions are more easily oxidized compared to the sulfate ions. As a result, the hydroxide ions are preferentially discharged at the anode rather than the sulfate ions.