Lead sulfate forms during battery discharge. Who is correct about its formation?

Lead sulfate forms during battery discharge. Who is correct about its formation?

• A. Technician A only
• B. Technician B only
• C. Both A and B are correct
• D. Neither A nor B is correct

Answer: (C)

Lead sulfate formation happens at both electrodes when a lead‑acid battery discharges. The negative plate, made of lead, is converted to lead sulfate, while the positive plate, made of lead dioxide, also ends up as lead sulfate as the sulfates from the electrolyte are incorporated into solid PbSO4. The overall discharge reaction can be written as Pb + PbO2 + 2 H2SO4 → 2 PbSO4 + 2 H2O, showing that sulfate from the electrolyte is consumed on both sides to form PbSO4. Because lead sulfate forms on both plates during discharge, any statement describing formation at both electrodes is correct. That’s why the answer reflects that both technicians are correct.

Lead sulfate formation happens at both electrodes when a lead‑acid battery discharges. The negative plate, made of lead, is converted to lead sulfate, while the positive plate, made of lead dioxide, also ends up as lead sulfate as the sulfates from the electrolyte are incorporated into solid PbSO4. The overall discharge reaction can be written as Pb + PbO2 + 2 H2SO4 → 2 PbSO4 + 2 H2O, showing that sulfate from the electrolyte is consumed on both sides to form PbSO4. Because lead sulfate forms on both plates during discharge, any statement describing formation at both electrodes is correct. That’s why the answer reflects that both technicians are correct.