Question

What will happen during electrolysis of aqueous solution of $CuS{O}_4$ in the presence of $Cu$ electrodes?

• A. Oxygen will be released at anode
• B. Copper will deposit at anode
• C. Copper will deposit at cathode
• D. Copper will dissolve at anode

Answer 1

Answer: (C), (D)

Copper will dissolve at anode

Redox Reactions at Cathode and Anode:

In this process of electrolysis, $CuS{O}_4$ solution is electrolysed in the presence of $Cu$ electrodes.

Thus, at cathode, $C{u}^{2+}$ will get reduced to $Cu$ and at anode $Cu$ will get oxidised to $C{u}^{2+}$.

Thus, the two half-cell reactions taking place are:

At cathode: $C{u}^{2+}\left(aq\right)+2e^{-}\to Cu\left(s\right)$

At anode: $Cu\left(s\right)\to C{u}^{2+}\left(aq\right)+2e^{-}$

Therefore, Copper will get deposited at cathode and copper will get dissolved at anode.

Hence, the correct options are (a) and (b).