When dilute sulfuric acid is mixed with water, it does not directly produce hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) from water alone. The reaction you are referring to is the electrolysis of water, which can occur when an electric current is passed through a water-based solution containing an electrolyte.
During electrolysis, water molecules (H2O) are dissociated into hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) due to the electric current. The hydrogen ions migrate to the cathode (negative electrode), where they gain electrons and are reduced to form hydrogen gas (H2). The hydroxide ions migrate to the anode (positive electrode), where they lose electrons and are oxidized to form oxygen gas (O2).
The overall reaction during the electrolysis of water is:
2H2O(l) -> 2H2(g) + O2(g)
It's important to note that this process requires an external energy source, such as an electric current, to drive the electrolysis reaction. Without the application of an electric current, the dilution of sulfuric acid with water alone does not result in the spontaneous production of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.