JAMB Chemistry 1982 Question 8

Question 8

Electrolysis

A current of 10.0A was passed for 1 hour through a solution of copper (II) sulphate between the copper electrodes. Which of the following observations would be correct? (1 Faraday = 96,500 coulombs)
(i) 0.186 mole of copper is dissolved from the anode
(ii) 0.372 mole of copper is deposited on the cathode
(iii) the original Cu2+ ion concentration of the solution remains unchanged.
(iv) the original Cu2+ ion concentration of the solution decreases

  1. A.(i) and (ii)
  2. B.(i) and (iii)
  3. C.(i) and (iv)
  4. D.(ii) and (iii)
  5. E.(ii) and (iv)
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B ((i) and (iii))

Explanation

Charge = 10 × 3600 = 36,000 C = 0.373 F, which moves 0.186 mol Cu (2 F per mole). With copper electrodes the anode dissolves as fast as the cathode gains copper, so [Cu2+] stays the same.