default_background
✕

Find the best tutors and institutes for Class 12 Tuition

Find Best Class 12 Tuition

Please select a Category.

Please select a Locality.

No matching category found.

No matching Locality found.

Q2.18 (iv):
Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following: (iv) An aqueous solution of (CuCl_{2}) with platinum electrodes.

Solution :

Step 1: Identification of Ionic Species in Aqueous Solution

In an aqueous solution of copper(II) chloride ($CuCl_{2}$), the substance dissociates completely into its constituent ions. Furthermore, water ($H_{2}O$) is present as the solvent and may also undergo electrolysis.

The dissociation reaction is:
$CuCl_{2}(aq) \rightarrow Cu^{2+}(aq) + 2Cl^{-}(aq)$

The auto-ionization/presence of water provides:
$H_{2}O(l) \rightleftharpoons H^{+}(aq) + OH^{-}(aq)$

The species present in the electrolytic cell are: $Cu^{2+}$, $Cl^{-}$, $H^{+}$, $OH^{-}$, and $H_{2}O$.

Step 2: Analysis of Cathodic Reduction Reactions

At the cathode (negative electrode), reduction occurs. We compare the standard reduction potentials ($E^\circ$) of the competing cations:

  • Reaction A: $Cu^{2+}(aq) + 2e^{-} \rightarrow Cu(s)$ ; $E^\circ = +0.34\,V$
  • Reaction B: $2H_{2}O(l) + 2e^{-} \rightarrow H_{2}(g) + 2OH^{-}(aq)$ ; $E^\circ = -0.83\,V$

[Per the principle of selective discharge, the species with the higher standard reduction potential is preferentially reduced]. Since $E^\circ(Cu^{2+}/Cu) > E^\circ(H_{2}O/H_{2})$, copper ions are preferentially reduced at the cathode.

Step 3: Analysis of Anodic Oxidation Reactions

At the anode (positive electrode), oxidation occurs. We compare the standard oxidation potentials of the competing anions:

  • Reaction A: $2Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow Cl_{2}(g) + 2e^{-}$ ; $E^\circ_{ox} = -1.36\,V$
  • Reaction B: $2H_{2}O(l) \rightarrow O_{2}(g) + 4H^{+}(aq) + 4e^{-}$ ; $E^\circ_{ox} = -1.23\,V$

[Applying the concept of Overpotential]: Although the thermodynamic oxidation potential of water suggests it should be oxidized, the overpotential required for the evolution of oxygen gas makes the oxidation of $Cl^{-}$ kinetically favorable in concentrated solutions.

Step 4: Schematic Representation of Electrolytic Cell

Anode (+) Cathode (-) Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu(s) 2Cl⁻ → Cl₂(g) + 2e⁻

Step 5: Final Summary of Reactions

Electrode Reaction Product
Cathode $Cu^{2+}(aq) + 2e^{-} \rightarrow Cu(s)$ Copper metal ($Cu$)
Anode $2Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow Cl_{2}(g) + 2e^{-}$ Chlorine gas ($Cl_{2}$)

Final Solution: The electrolysis of aqueous $CuCl_{2}$ using platinum electrodes results in the deposition of metallic copper ($Cu$) at the cathode and the evolution of chlorine gas ($Cl_{2}$) at the anode.


More Questions from Class 12 Chemistry Electrochemistry Exercises


CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Electrochemistry


Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Chemistry


Top Tutors who teach Electrochemistry

(92)
Top Tutor
locationImg Andheri West, Mumbai
experience 10 yrs of Exp students 8 students
greenClock 106 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 1000 per hour
IIT GATE-qualified Math Educator | 10+ yrs exp | IIT JEE, 11–12th, Engg Maths, CAT,GRE,GMAT,IB/IGCSE
Online Classes Online Classes
homeTutions Student's Home

I have over 10 years of teaching experience in reputed schools and colleges, where I have taught students across different academic levels with a strong focus on conceptual clarity and practical understanding. Throughout my career, I have handled diverse classrooms, adapting my teaching methods to suit students’ learning styles and academic needs. In school education, I have taught core subjects aligned with the curriculum, ensuring students build a strong foundation and perform confidently in examinations. I have extensive experience in lesson planning, syllabus completion, exam preparation, conducting assessments, and providing individual attention to students who need additional support.

Shital

Experience teacher, the best teacher with the best teaching.

Skills: Mathematics , Applied Mathematics
Also teaches: MBA Entrance Coaching, BTech Tuition and more

(10)
Top Tutor
locationImg Nigdi, Pune
experience 6 yrs of Exp
greenClock 1 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 500 per hour
Junior Scientist in Biomedical Field
Online Classes Online Classes
homeTutions Student's Home
regularClasses Tutor's home

I have excellent teaching experience of 7 years with best results with my previous student's from CBSE , STATE and ICSE BOARD'S . Preferably i focus on students personal interest, level of understanding and study methodology. I am here to give best of me to seek best out from my students. I have given seminar on 'Students changing Virtue towards study , Need if time??' . Passionate to guide students towards there destiny

Skills: Physics , Biology and more
Also teaches: Class 11 Tuition, Class 7 Tuition and more

(16)
Top Tutor
locationImg Tollygunge, Kolkata
experience 5 yrs of Exp students 3 students
greenClock 38 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 800 per hour
Physics and Mathematics expert with 6 years experience in School and College level education
Online Classes Online Classes

I have been giving tuitions to Class 12 students since October 2015. I was then in 2nd year of BSc Physics from the renowned 200 years old university, Presidency University. In total I taught 2 Class 12 students in Kolkata and 9 Class 12 students in Delhi. Currently I am teaching a Class 11 student from JNU Quarters Maths, Physics and Chemistry via Zoom app. I have whiteboard, colourful pens and other requirements to ease the teaching in a great way.

Skills: Mathematics , Physics and more
Also teaches: Class 9 Tuition, BSc Tuition and more

(2)
Top Tutor
locationImg Bhopal, Bhopal
experience 4 yrs of Exp students 1 student
greenClock 75 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 300 per hour
Online Classes Online Classes

I am a mechanical engineer currently I am in pre final year in NIT BHOPAL. I have cracked jee on my own in first attempt and I also scored 90% in 12 with cbse board. I have been teaching my friends from class 11th itself. I can make subject really easy for you.

Also teaches: Class 10 Tuition

Ajay S jadon Class 12 Tuition trainer in Kota
(82)
superTutorSuper Tutor
locationImg Talwandi Sector-B, Kota
experience 10 yrs of Exp students 15 students
greenClock 891 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 1850 per hour
Author of DOOR TO IIT
Online Classes Online Classes
homeTutions Student's Home
regularClasses Tutor's home

My teaching exp.11 year in most reputed coaching in india. Mentor of jee top rank air-12 yatis agrawal, 19, 28 many more in top 100 in jee adavnced. Many of students got 100%tile in jee mains along with 100% marks in board exams. I also provide complete relevent study material like worksheet, practice sheet , dpps , assignment etc. Daily quizz based on assignment. Periodically test papers topic wise, minor and major as per shedule. I have helped thousands of students overcome their fear of maths.

Ayush Tripathy

Great Teaching Expertise High standard. Experienced Teacher with excellent knowledge. Thank you for reaching my son.

Skills: Mathematics , Physics and more

Other Subjects in CBSE - Class 12

Worksheet Icon

Download free CBSE - Class 12 Chemistry Electrochemistry Exercises worksheets

Download Now

Find Best Class 12 Tuition ?

Find Now »