What is discharged at the cathode during the electrolysis of copper (ll) tetraoxosulphate (VI) solution?
Answer Details
During the electrolysis of copper (II) tetraoxosulphate (VI) solution, copper ions (Cu2+) are discharged at the cathode. This is because copper ions have a positive charge and are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode) during electrolysis. Hydrogen ions (H+) are discharged at the cathode only if there are no other positively charged ions present in the solution. In this case, there are Cu2+ ions present which have a higher affinity for the cathode than H+ ions. Sulphate ions (SO42-) are not discharged at the cathode as they have a negative charge and are attracted to the positive electrode (anode) during electrolysis. Therefore, option A, "Cu2+ only," is the correct answer.