What will be PH of aqueous solution of electrolyte in electrolytic cell during electrolysis of `CuSO_(4) (Aq)` between graphite electrodes ?

Options

A. pH = 14.0
B. pHgt 7.0
C. pHlt 7.0
D. pH = 7.0

Explanation

To determine the pH of the aqueous solution of the electrolyte during the electrolysis of `CuSO4 (aq)` between graphite electrodes, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Electrolyte and its Dissociation
The electrolyte in this case is copper(II) sulfate, `CuSO4`. When dissolved in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions:
\[ CuSO_4 (aq) \rightarrow Cu^{2+} (aq) + SO_4^{2-} (aq) \]

### Step 2: Determine the Reactions at the Electrodes
During electrolysis, oxidation and reduction reactions occur at the electrodes.

- **At the Cathode (Reduction)**: The copper ions (`Cu^{2+}`) are reduced to copper metal (`Cu`):
\[ Cu^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow Cu \]

- **At the Anode (Oxidation)**: Water can be oxidized to produce oxygen gas and hydrogen ions (`H^+`):
\[ 2H_2O \rightarrow O_2 + 4H^+ + 4e^- \]

### Step 3: Analyze the Effect on pH
As the reaction at the anode produces hydrogen ions (`H^+`), the concentration of `H^+` ions in the solution increases. The increase in `H^+` ions leads to a decrease in pH.

### Step 4: Determine the pH Range
In general, the pH scale ranges from 0 to 14:
- A pH of 7 is neutral.
- A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution.
- A pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.

Since the electrolysis of `CuSO4` leads to an increase in `H^+` ions, the solution becomes more acidic, resulting in a pH less than 7.

### Conclusion
Thus, the pH of the aqueous solution of `CuSO4` during electrolysis will be less than 7, indicating an acidic solution.

### Final Answer
The pH of the aqueous solution during the electrolysis of `CuSO4 (aq)` will be less than 7.

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