Decorative copper coating can be applied to objects, such as vase using an electrolytic process
Write the two half-reaction equations that occur in this cell, and identify one observation that
could be made during the operation of the cell
The two half-reaction equations that occur in the cell during the electrolytic process of applying a decorative copper coating to a vase are:
1) Reduction half-reaction equation:
Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu (copper ions gain 2 electrons to form solid copper)
2) Oxidation half-reaction equation:
Cu → Cu2+ + 2e- (solid copper loses 2 electrons to form copper ions)
One observation that could be made during the operation of the cell is the gradual deposition of a copper layer on the surface of the vase. Over time, the vase would start acquiring a reddish-brown appearance as the copper coating forms.