Which of the following ions is reduced at the cathode during electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution? (2020)

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Q: Which of the following ions is reduced at the cathode during electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution? (2020)

Solution: Cu²⁺ ions are reduced to copper metal at the cathode during the electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution.

Steps: 7

Step 1: Understand what electrolysis is. It is a process that uses electricity to cause a chemical change.
Step 2: Identify the solution being electrolyzed. In this case, it is copper(II) sulfate solution.
Step 3: Know that during electrolysis, ions move to different electrodes. The cathode is where reduction occurs.
Step 4: Identify the ions present in copper(II) sulfate solution. The main ions are Cu²⁺ (copper ions) and SO₄²⁻ (sulfate ions).
Step 5: Remember that reduction means gaining electrons. At the cathode, Cu²⁺ ions gain electrons.
Step 6: Write the reduction reaction: Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu (this means copper ions are turned into copper metal).
Step 7: Conclude that Cu²⁺ ions are the ones reduced at the cathode during this process.