The reaction occurring at the anode during the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing Na₂SO₄ and CuSO₄ using Pt electrodes is:
Correct answer: C. Oxidation of water to form oxygen gas and hydrogen ions
- A. Oxidation of copper ions to form copper oxide
- B. Oxidation of sulfate ions to form sulfur trioxide
- C. Oxidation of water to form oxygen gas and hydrogen ions
- D. Oxidation of chloride ions to form chlorine gas
Explanation
At the anode (oxidation), we compare the oxidation potentials of SO₄²⁻ and H₂O. Water has a lower oxidation potential than the sulfate ion, meaning it is more easily oxidized. The oxidation of water produces oxygen gas and H⁺ ions.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry describes electron transfer through oxidation and reduction, identifies oxidizing and reducing agents, and applies oxidation numbers to balance redox equations. It also covers electrode potential and the standard hydrogen electrode, which provides the reference for comparing the reduction tendencies of other electrodes.
Practise Electrochemistry
696 free Electrochemistry MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Electrochemistry questions
It is impossible to measure the actual voltage of any half- cell by itself because:
In which cell does the anode have a positive charge?
The minimum equivalent conductance in the fused state is shown by:
During electrolysis, when the mass of product produced (m) is plotted against the electric charge (Q) in faraday's law, which of the following plots is correct?
Two half-cells have reduction potentials of -0.76 V and -0.13 V respectively. A galvanic cell is made from these two half-cells. Which of the following statements is correct?
The unit of cell potential is: