Question

In an electrolysis experiment, a current C passes through two different cells in series, one containing a solution of copper sulphate and the other a solution of silver nitrate. The ratio of increase of the weights at cathode in the two cells will be :

• A. in the ratio of the atomic weights of copper and silver
• B. in the ratio of the density of copper and silver
• C. in the ratio of half the atomic weight of copper to the atomic weight of silver
• D. in the ratio of half the atomic weight of copper to half the atomic weight of silver

Answer 1

The correct option is C in the ratio of half the atomic weight of copper to the atomic weight of silver

Using the relation $m=Z\times Q$
We know that mass deposited will be proportional to the equivalent mass which is atomic mass divided by valency.
Valency of copper is 2 while that of silver is 1.
Hence it will be half of the ratio of their atomic masses of copper to the atomic weight of silver.