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The diagram represents a typical car battery - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 20
The diagram represents a typical car battery. As the battery discharges, the following half reactions occur: (a) Identify the anode, then write the equation that r... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram represents a typical car battery - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the anode, then write the equation that represents the overall chemical reaction.
Answer
The anode in a lead-acid battery is made of lead (Pb). During discharge, oxidation occurs at the anode. The half-reaction for the anode is:
ightarrow PbSO_4(s) + 2e^-$$ The overall chemical reaction for the discharge of a lead-acid battery, combining the two half-reactions, can be expressed as: $$PbO_2(s) + Pb(s) + 2SO_4^{2-}(aq) + 4H^+(aq) ightarrow 2PbSO_4(s) + 2H_2O(l)$$Step 2
Explain one benefit of car batteries lasting several years.
Answer
One significant benefit of car batteries lasting several years is the reduction in waste and environmental impact. Durable batteries minimize the frequency of replacements, leading to less battery disposal and reduced pollution. Additionally, longer-lasting batteries contribute to stable and reliable vehicle performance, decreasing the likelihood of unexpected failures and the associated costs of roadside assistance or battery replacements.