In the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate using copper electrodes, the processes that occur at...
In the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate using copper electrodes, the processes that occur at the anode and cathode respectively are
- A) dissolution and evolution
- B) dissolution and deposition
- C) deposition and evolution
- D) evolution and deposition
Correct Answer: C) deposition and evolution
Explanation
In the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate using copper electrodes, we have two processes occurring at the anode and cathode. Let's examine each process separately.
Anode: The anode is the positive electrode where oxidation occurs. During the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate, copper atoms from the anode lose two electrons and go into the solution as copper ions (Cu2+). This process is called dissolution. The half-equation for this process is:
\(Cu(s) \rightarrow Cu^{2+}(aq) + 2e^-\)
Cathode: The cathode is the negative electrode where reduction occurs. Copper ions (Cu2+) from the solution gain two electrons and get deposited on the cathode as copper atoms. This process is called deposition. The half-equation for this process is:
\(Cu^{2+}(aq) + 2e^- \rightarrow Cu(s)\)So, during the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate using copper electrodes, the processes that occur at the anode and cathode respectively are dissolution and deposition, which corresponds toOption C.