Electrolysis of aq. `CuSO_(4)` produces:

Options

A. an increase in pH
B. a decrease in pH
C. either decrease or increase
D. `H_(2) SO_(4)` in the solution

Answer

To solve the question regarding the products of electrolysis of aqueous copper sulfate (CuSO₄), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Components in Aqueous CuSO₄**:
- Aqueous copper sulfate dissociates into its ions:
- Cu²⁺ (copper ions)
- SO₄²⁻ (sulfate ions)
- Additionally, water (H₂O) dissociates into H⁺ (hydrogen ions) and OH⁻ (hydroxide ions).

2. **Determine the Electrolysis Setup**:
- During electrolysis, we have two electrodes: an anode (positive) and a cathode (negative).
- At the cathode, reduction occurs, while at the anode, oxidation occurs.

3. **Analyze Reactions at the Cathode**:
- The positively charged ions (Cu²⁺ and H⁺) will migrate towards the cathode.
- The reduction potential of Cu²⁺ is higher than that of H⁺, meaning Cu²⁺ will be reduced first.
- The reduction reaction at the cathode can be written as:
\[ \text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu (s)} \]
- This means solid copper will be deposited at the cathode.

4. **Analyze Reactions at the Anode**:
- At the anode, OH⁻ ions and water can be oxidized.
- The oxidation of OH⁻ is more favorable than that of water.
- The oxidation reaction at the anode can be written as:
\[ 4\text{OH}^- \rightarrow \text{O}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} + 4e^- \]
- This means oxygen gas (O₂) will be produced at the anode.

5. **Identify the Final Products**:
- After electrolysis, the solid copper will be deposited at the cathode, and oxygen gas will be released at the anode.
- The remaining solution will consist of H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) as the sulfate ions remain in solution.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The products of the electrolysis of aqueous CuSO₄ are:
- Solid copper (Cu) at the cathode
- Oxygen gas (O₂) at the anode
- The solution will contain sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).

### Final Answer:
Electrolysis of aqueous CuSO₄ produces solid copper at the cathode and oxygen gas at the anode, with H₂SO₄ remaining in the solution.

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