Answer :
Final answer:
The explosive gas produced by the reaction of metal plates and sulfuric acid in an automotive battery is hydrogen. This occurs during charging, leading to the evolution of hydrogen gas. Sulfuric acid in the battery acts as a strong electrolyte, dissociating into ions and participating in electrochemical reactions.
Explanation:
The explosive gas produced by the chemical reaction of the metal plates and sulfuric acid in an automotive battery is hydrogen. When an automotive battery is being charged, the following chemical reaction occurs: 2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g). This reaction leads to the production of hydrogen gas, which is potentially explosive. The generated hydrogen gas bubbles can dislodge lead sulfate (PbSO₄) or lead dioxide (PbO₂) particles from the battery plates. A lead-acid battery, like the one in most automobiles, has sulfuric acid, which acts as a strong electrolyte ionizing into hydrogen ions and sulfate ions. One should be cautious when handling car batteries, as they contain sulfuric acid, a hazardous material.
