Question

Write down the ionic equation for the reactions that take place at the cathode during electrolysis of aqueous copper sulfate solution using copper electrodes

Answer 1

Cathode reaction during electrolysis of aqueous copper sulfate solution using copper electrodes

• The reduction half-reaction occurring at the cathode is given in this reaction
• Both ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{+2}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ ions migrate to the cathode and ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{+2}$ ions are discharged at the cathode as neutral atoms by accepting electrons. product at the cathode is a reddish-brown copper deposit

${\mathrm{Cu}}^{+2}+\mathbf{}\mathbf{2}{\mathbf{e}}^{\mathbf{-}}\to \mathbf{}\mathbf{Cu}$