The ion which is discharged at the cathode during the electrolysis of copper sulphate solutions using copper electrodes an anode and cathode ?

Options

A. `Cu^(2+)`
B. `OH^(-)`
C. `SO_(4)^(2-)`
D. `H^(+)`

Explanation

To determine the ion that is discharged at the cathode during the electrolysis of copper sulfate solution using copper electrodes, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Electrolyte and Electrodes**:
- The electrolyte is copper sulfate (CuSO₄) solution.
- The electrodes are both made of copper (Cu).

2. **Understand the Electrolysis Process**:
- In electrolysis, an electric current is passed through the electrolyte, causing the ions to migrate towards the electrodes.
- The anode is positively charged, and the cathode is negatively charged.

3. **Identify the Ions in the Solution**:
- In copper sulfate solution, the ions present are:
- Copper ions (Cu²⁺)
- Sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻)
- Additionally, if water is present, hydrogen ions (H⁺) can also be considered.

4. **Determine Which Ions Move Towards the Cathode**:
- Since the cathode is negatively charged, only cations (positively charged ions) will migrate towards it.
- The cations present are Cu²⁺ and H⁺.

5. **Evaluate the Discharge of Ions at the Cathode**:
- At the cathode, reduction occurs (gain of electrons).
- We need to compare the standard reduction potentials of Cu²⁺ and H⁺ to determine which ion will be discharged.
- The standard reduction potential for Cu²⁺ is +0.34 V, while for H⁺ it is 0.00 V.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Since Cu²⁺ has a higher standard reduction potential than H⁺, Cu²⁺ will be preferentially discharged at the cathode.
- Therefore, the ion that is discharged at the cathode during the electrolysis of copper sulfate solution using copper electrodes is **Cu²⁺**.

### Final Answer:
The ion discharged at the cathode is **Cu²⁺**.

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