Question

State the observation at the anode and at the cathode during the electrolysis of
Copper sulphate solution using Copper electrodes.

Answer 1

Part 1: Observation at the anode:-

1. $\mathrm{Cu}\left(\mathrm{II}\right)$ions are formed when the copper anode dissolves.
2. Reaction at the anode: $\underset{\mathrm{Copper}}{\mathrm{Cu}}\to \underset{\mathrm{Copper}\left(\mathrm{II}\right)\mathrm{ions}}{{\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}}+\underset{\mathrm{Electron}}{2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}}$

Part 2: Observation at the cathode:-

1. Copper metal is deposited at the cathode which is reduced from the copper ions
2. Reaction at the cathode : $\underset{\mathrm{Copper}\left(\mathrm{II}\right)\mathrm{ions}}{{\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}}+\underset{\mathrm{Electron}}{2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}}\to \underset{\mathrm{Copper}}{\mathrm{Cu}}$

Therefore, $\mathrm{Cu}\left(\mathrm{II}\right)$ions are formed at the anode when the copper anode dissolves and, copper metal is deposited at the cathode which is reduced from the copper ion.