Variation of masses in lead-acid battery due to H2SO4 mass variation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the variation in mass of the compounds in a lead-acid battery during discharge, specifically focusing on the impact of a decrease in sulfuric acid mass by 294g (3 moles). Participants explore the relationships between the reactants and products in the battery's chemical reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates that a decrease of 3 moles of H2SO4 leads to the formation of 3 moles of PbSO4 and 3 moles of H2O, but is uncertain about the changes in mass for Pb and PbO2.
  • Another participant suggests using the overall reaction equation to clarify the mass changes.
  • A participant points out that the overall reaction does not explain why the mass of Pb increases while the mass of PbO2 decreases.
  • One participant questions the correctness of the provided answers regarding the mass changes of Pb and PbO2.
  • Two participants acknowledge that the answers they received were indeed incorrect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the mass changes of Pb and PbO2, and there is no consensus on the correctness of the initial answers provided.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for clarity in the relationships between the reactants and products in the chemical reactions of the lead-acid battery, as well as the implications of mass conservation in these reactions.

libelec
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Homework Statement



In discharge mode, calculate the variation in mass of the compounds of a lead-acid battery if the sufuric acid mass decreases by 294g (3 moles).

Homework Equations



The semirreactions:

Pb \to P{b^{2 + }} + 2{e^ - }
4{H^ + } + Pb{O_2} + 2{e^ - } \to P{b^{2 + }} + 2{H_2}O

The Attempt at a Solution



The only thing I could deduce was that if the H2SO4 decreases in 3 moles, then this means that 3 moles of PbSO4 were formed, along with 3 moles of H2O (since the relation is 1 mole of each of the former formed for each mole of H2SO4 consumed).

But I can't figure out what would happen to the Pb or the PbO2.

I have the answers: Pb increases in 1,5 moles and PbO2 decreases in 1,5 moles.

Any ideas?

Thanks
 
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Try with overall reaction equation.

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methods
 
But the overall reaction:

Pb + Pb{O_2} + 2{H_2}S{O_4} \to 2PbS{O_4} + 2{H_2}O

doesn't tell me why the Pb mass increases and the PbO2 mass decreases.
 
Perhaps that means that the answer you were given is incorrect?

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methods
 
Yes, such was the case. Thank you.
 
libelec said:
Yes, such was the case. Thank you.

Not that I am surprised :wink:

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