State the observations at the anode and at the cathode during the electrolysis of :
copper sulphate solution using copper electrodes.

Explanation

At the cathode, `Cu^(2+)` ions are discharged and deposited on the cathode. At the anode, however, copper ions go into solution in preference to the discharge of either `OH^(-)` or `SO_4^(2-)` ions. As the electrolysis continues, the cathode increases in thickness by reddish brown deposit of copper while the anode slowly dissolves away.
At the cathode: `Cu^(2+) + 2e^(-) rarr Cu`
At the anode: `Cu-2e^(-) rarr Cu^(2+)`