Practice question
Question
In a lead storage battery during discharge, what is the total change in oxidation state of lead from reactants to products at both electrodes?
Explanation
Anode: Pb (0) + SO₄²⁻ → PbSO₄ (+2) + 2e⁻ , Change = +2. Cathode: PbO₂ (+4) + SO₄²⁻ + 4H⁺ + 2e⁻ → PbSO₄ (+2) + 2H₂O , Change = -2. Total change = |+2| + |-2| = 4 .