Question

What would occur in the electrolytic reduction of `Cu^(2+)`?

What would occur in the electrolytic reduction of `Cu^(2+)`?

`"a. the cathode would decrease in mass, and the anode would increase in mass."`
`"b. the colour of the solution would dissipate."`
`"c. the blue colour of the solution would slowly dissipate, and the cathode would acquire a salmon pink coating."`
`"d. copper salts do not undergo electrolytic reaction, and there would be no macroscopic change."`

Answer 1

`"Option C"`

Explanation:

The `Cu(OH_2)_6^(2+)` species, which we could also represent as `Cu^(2+)(aq)`, gives a beautiful blue colour in aqueous solution.

In this experiment, `Cu^(2+)(aq)` is reduced at the cathode to give it a copper coating according to the reaction:

`Cu^(2+)(aq) + 2e^(-) rarr Cu(s)darr`.

As the experiment progresses, the concentration of the solution decreases, and accordingly the colour of the solution fades. Meanwhile the cathode acquires a thin plating of copper metal.