A copper (ll) sulphate is electrolyzed using two copper electrodes.
What happens during the electrolysis at the cathode,anode and to the solution
At the cathode:
- Copper metal is deposited on the cathode as Cu2+ ions gain electrons and are reduced to form solid copper.
At the anode:
- Sulphate ions (SO4 2-) lose electrons and are oxidized to form sulphur dioxide gas and oxygen gas.
- Copper metal at the anode dissolves into the solution as Cu2+ ions.
To the solution:
- The concentration of copper sulphate decreases as copper ions are deposited on the cathode and dissolve at the anode.
- The color of the solution may change as the copper ions are removed from the solution to form solid copper at the cathode.
- The pH of the solution may change due to the formation of sulphuric acid from the oxidation of sulphate ions at the anode.