Question

Starting from aq. copper (II) sulphate solution, give equations for the reactions at the cathode and anode during electrolysis of aq. CuSO4 using active copper electrodes.

Answer 1

Electrode reaction:

CuSO4 ⇋ Cu2+ +SO42-

H2O ⇋ H2+ + OH1-

Reaction at Cathode:

Cu2+ + 2e– → Cu

Cu2+ and H1+ ions migrate to the cathode.

Reaction at anode:

Cu – 2e– → Cu2+

SO42- and OH1- ions migrate to anode but not discharged.