Question:easy

What happens during the discharge of a lead storage battery?

Show Hint

On discharge both plates turn to PbSO4 and sulfuric acid is used up.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\text{SO}_2\) is evolved
  • Pb is formed
  • \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\) is consumed
  • \(\text{PbSO}_4\) is consumed
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Half reactions:
Anode: $\text{Pb} + \text{SO}_4^{2-} \to \text{PbSO}_4 + 2e^-$. Cathode: $\text{PbO}_2 + 4\text{H}^+ + \text{SO}_4^{2-} + 2e^- \to \text{PbSO}_4 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}$.

Step 2: Add them:
Net: Pb, $\text{PbO}_2$ and two $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ become two $\text{PbSO}_4$ and two water molecules.

Step 3: Read off:
Acid goes down and $\text{PbSO}_4$ is made, so the true statement is that $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ is consumed, option (C).

Final Answer:
Sulfuric acid is consumed during discharge. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\ \text{is consumed}} \]
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