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Chapter 7: Problem 20

Electrolysis of aqueous \(\mathrm{CuSO}_{4}\) with inert electrodes gives (a) Cu at cathode, anode gets dissolved (b) Cu at cathode, \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) at anode (c) \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) at anode, \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) at cathode (d) \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) at anode, cathode gets dissolved

Short Answer

Expert verified
Question: In an electrolysis of aqueous CuSO₄ with inert electrodes, the products formed at cathode and anode are: (a) H₂ at cathode, O₂ at anode (b) Cu at cathode, O₂ at anode (c) Cu at cathode, SO₃ at anode (d) H₂ at cathode, SO₃ at anode Answer: (b) Cu at cathode, O₂ at anode

Step by step solution

01

Identify the reactions happening at the cathode and anode

When an aqueous \(\mathrm{CuSO}_{4}\) solution undergoes electrolysis, the possible reactions that can occur are: Cathode (reduction occurs): 1. \(\mathrm{Cu^{2+}} + 2\mathrm{e^{-}} \longrightarrow \mathrm{Cu}\) 2. \(\mathrm{2H_{2}O + 2\mathrm{e^{-}} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2}+ 2\mathrm{OH^{-}}\) Anode (oxidation occurs): 1. \(\mathrm{2H_{2}O \longrightarrow O_{2} + 4\mathrm{H^{+}} + 4\mathrm{e^{-}}\) 2. \(\mathrm{SO^{2-}_{4} \longrightarrow SO_{3}+ \mathrm{e^{-}}\)
02

Determine the electrode potentials of the reactions

To predict which reaction is more likely to happen in each case, let's use the standard electrode potentials of the possible reactions: Cathode (reduction): 1. Copper reduction: \(E^{\circ}=+0.337\,\mathrm{V}\) 2. Water reduction (formation of \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\)): \(E^{\circ}=-0.83\,\mathrm{V}\) Anode (oxidation): 1. Water oxidation (formation of \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\)): \(E^{\circ}=+1.23\,\mathrm{V}\) 2. Sulfate oxidation (formation of \(\mathrm{SO}_{3}\)): This reaction does not occur easily, as sulfate ions are very stable and have a very high positive electrode potential.
03

Evaluate the overall reaction

By comparing the electrode potentials, we can determine which reactions are more likely to happen: Cathode: 1. Copper reduction is more likely as it has a higher electrode potential (positive and higher in value compared to water reduction). Anode: 1. Water oxidation, since sulfate oxidation does not occur easily and is not favored in electrolysis.
04

Choose the correct option

Based on the electrode potentials and our analysis of the likely reactions in the electrolysis of the aqueous \(\mathrm{CuSO}_{4}\), we can determine that the formed products are Cu at the cathode and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) at the anode. Therefore, the correct option is: (b) Cu at cathode, \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) at anode

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The standard electrode potentials of four metals \(\mathrm{A}, \mathrm{B}, \mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{D}\) are given below. Based on these values, arrange them in the descending order of ease of deposition of metals from their salt solutions when subjected to electrolysis under standard conditions. (1) \(\rightarrow-0.9 \mathrm{~V}\) (2) \(\rightarrow-2.71 \mathrm{~V}\) (3) \(\rightarrow 0.77 \mathrm{~V}\) (4) \(\rightarrow 0.8 \mathrm{~V}\) (a) 4321 (b) 2134 (c) 3412 (d) 4312

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