MHT CET202617 April 2026Evening ShiftChemistryElectrochemistryActual
What is the change in oxidation number of Pb at positive electrode of lead accumulator acting as galvanic cell ?
Options
- Aincreases by 1
- Bdecreases by 1
- Cincreases by 2
- Ddecreases by 2
Correct answer
D. decreases by 2
Step-by-step solution
In a lead accumulator acting as a galvanic cell (discharging), the positive electrode acts as the cathode where reduction takes place. The reaction at the positive electrode is: PbO₂(s) + SO₄²⁻(aq) + 4H^+(aq) + 2e^- PbSO₄(s) + 2H₂O(l) The oxidation state of Pb in PbO₂ is +4 . The oxidation state of Pb in PbSO₄ is +2 . The oxidation number of Pb changes from +4 to +2 , which means it decreases by 2 . Answer: decreases by 2