AP EAMCET2013ChemistryElectrochemistry
During the electrolysis of copper sulphate aqueous solution using copper electrode, the reaction takine place at the cathode is
Options
- ACu Cu ²⁺( aq )+2 e⁻
- BCu ²⁺( aq )+2 e⁻ Cu ( s )
- CH ⁺( aq )+ e ⁻ 1 2 H ₂(g)
- DSO ₄²⁻( aq ) SO ₃(g)+ 1 2 O ₂(g)+2 e⁻
Correct answer
B. Cu ²⁺( aq )+2 e⁻ Cu ( s )
Step-by-step solution
During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of copper sulphate using copper electrodes, both Cu ²⁺ and H ⁺ ions move towards cathode, but the discharge potential of Cu ²⁺ ions is lower than that of H ⁺ ions, therefore Cu ²⁺ ions are discharged in preference to H ⁺ ions and copper is deposited on the cathode. Cu ²⁺( aq )+2 e ⁻ Cu ( s ) (at cathode)