WAEC - Chemistry (2001 - No. 24)

In the electrolysis of CuSO4(aq) using copper electrodes, the reaction at the anode is

discharge of SO₄ ^2-

discharge of OH^-

dissolution of copper electrode

evolution of oxygen

When copper electrodes are used to electrolyze an aqueous copper sulfate solution, the following happens at the anode:

Copper loses electrons: Copper atoms at the anode lose electrons, forming copper ions that go into the solution.
Anode dissolves: The anode slowly dissolves away as the electrolysis continues.
Copper ions are generated: Copper ions are generated at the anode. In summary, there is dissolution of copper electrode - Option C