Reaction occurring at anode when the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing Na2SO4 and CuSO4 is done using Pt electrode is:

Correct answer: C. 2H2O ⇒O2 + 4H+ + 4e

  • A. Cu⇒Cu2+ +2e
  • B. 2SO-24 + 2H2O⇒2H2SO4 + O2 + 4e
  • C. 2H2O ⇒O2 + 4H+ + 4e
  • D. 2Cl- ⇒Cl2 + 2e

Explanation

The reaction occurring at the anode when the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing Na2SO4 and CuSO4 is done using a Pt electrode is the oxidation of water to form oxygen gas and hydrogen ions. This is because water is more easily oxidized than the sulfate ions in the solution. The oxidation of water produces oxygen gas and protons, which react with the sulfate ions in the solution to form sulfuric acid. Theoverall reaction at the anode is:2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4H + 4e- Therefore, the anode reaction in this electrolysis setup is the oxidation of water to form oxygen gas and hydrogen ions.

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