Question

Copper sulphate solution is electrolysed using copper electrodes. Study the diagram given below and answer the question that follows:

(i) Which electrode to your left or right is known as the oxidising electrode and why ? 

(ii) Write the equation representing the reaction that occurs.

(iii) State two appropriate observations for the above electrolysis reaction.

Answer 1

(i) Electrode on the left side is the oxidising electrode because copper atoms lose electrons at this electrode.

(ii) Cu – 2e^– ⟶ Cu²⁺

(iii) Reddish brown copper metal is deposited at cathode and blue colour of aqueous copper (II) Sulphate solution remains unchanged.