Lead Dioxide and Sulfuric Acid (Lead-Acid Battery Discharge)

PbO₂ + Pb + 2H₂SO₄ → 2PbSO₄ + 2H₂O

Aperçu

During discharge, lead dioxide (cathode, Pb⁴⁺) is reduced to lead sulfate while lead metal (anode, Pb⁰) is oxidized to lead sulfate. Both electrodes convert to PbSO₄, and the sulfuric acid electrolyte is consumed. The cell potential is 2.05 V. Charging reverses the reaction.

Participants

Rôle	Substance	Coefficient	État
Réactif	Lead Pb	1	(s)
Réactif	Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄	2	(aq)
Produit	Water H₂O	2	(l)

Exemple du quotidien

Every car battery is a lead-acid battery using this reversible redox reaction. Starting your car draws hundreds of amps from this reaction.

Importance industrielle

Lead-acid batteries represent a $40+ billion global industry used in vehicles, UPS systems, and energy storage. Over 99% of lead-acid batteries are recycled.

Propriétés

Type: Redox
Réversible: Oui
Énergie: Exothermique
ΔH: -359,4 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Iron(II) to Iron(III) Oxidation by Oxygen Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite Copper Reduction of Silver Ion Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II) Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent (Acidic) Displacement of Hydrogen from Acid by Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Lead Dioxide and Sulfuric Acid (Lead-Acid Battery Discharge)?

The balanced equation is: PbO₂ + Pb + 2H₂SO₄ → 2PbSO₄ + 2H₂O.

What type of reaction is Lead Dioxide and Sulfuric Acid (Lead-Acid Battery Discharge)?

Lead Dioxide and Sulfuric Acid (Lead-Acid Battery Discharge) is a redox reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.

Is Lead Dioxide and Sulfuric Acid (Lead-Acid Battery Discharge) exothermic or endothermic?

Lead Dioxide and Sulfuric Acid (Lead-Acid Battery Discharge) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -359.4 kJ/mol.