The minimum voltage (in $\mathrm{V}$ ) required to bring about the electrolysis of $1 \mathrm{M}$ copper…

The minimum voltage (in $\mathrm{V}$ ) required to bring about the electrolysis of $1 \mathrm{M}$ copper (II) sulphate solution at $298 \mathrm{~K}$ is $$ \text { (Given } \mathrm{E}_{\mathrm{Cu}^{2+} / \mathrm{Cu}}^{\circ}=0.34 \mathrm{~V} \text { and } \mathrm{E}_{\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O} / \mathrm{H}^{+}}^{\circ}=-1.23 \mathrm{~V} \text { ) } $$
  1. +1.57
  2. +0.89
  3. -0.89
  4. -1.57

Solution

Oxidation : (anode) $ 2 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{I}) \rightarrow \mathrm{O}_2(\mathrm{~g})+4 \mathrm{H}^{+} \text {(aq.) } ; \mathrm{E}^{\circ}=+1.23 \mathrm{~V} $ Reduction : (cathode) $ \begin{aligned} & \mathrm{Cu}^{2+}(\mathrm{aq} .)+2 \mathrm{e}^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{Cu}(\mathrm{s}) ; \mathrm{E}^{\circ}=+0.34 \mathrm{~V} \\ & \mathrm{E}_{\text {cell }}^{\circ}=\mathrm{E}_{\text {cathode }}^{\circ}-\mathrm{E}_{\text {anode }}^{\circ}=(0.34)-(+1.23)=-0.89 \mathrm{~V} \text {. } \end{aligned} $ Thus, a potential of minimum of $+0.89 \mathrm{~V}$ would be required to carry out the given reaction

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2023 (18 May Shift 2)

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