During electroplating of nickel on a substance, AQUEOUS NiSO_{4 is taken as electrolyte}and current is passed . According to our book, the Ni²⁺ ions migrate to the cathode and take 2 electrons forming Ni metal on the cathode . Also, the Ni anode get decomposed as Ni²⁺ ions.

But, at the cathode, H+ ions must go and undergo reduction by gaining ions because H+ is lower than Ni2+ in the electrochemical series and H+ can gain electrons more readily because of its small atomic size. Then why Ni+2 ions go to cathode and undergo reduction?

Or should MOLTEN NiSO4 be taken as an electrolyte for electroplating of Nickel on a metal so that there are no H⁺ ions in the electrolyte and only Ni²⁺ ions go at cathode and get deposited on the metal ?

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Solution

Molten should take as electrolyte

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