Copper can be plated onto a spoon by placing the spoon in an acidic solution of CuSO 4 ( aq ) and connecting it m a copper strip via a power source as illustrated below: a. Label the anode and cathode. and describe the direction of the electron now. b. Write out the chemical equations for the reactions that occur at each electrode.

Interpretation:

The set up of a cell in which Copper can be plated onto a spoon by placing it in an acidic solution of CuSO4(aq) and its connection to a Copper strip via power source is given. The labeling of the anode and cathode in the given set up and the direction of electron flow is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The non-spontaneous reaction takes place in an electrolytic cell in which there occurs conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy and this is used for the electrolysis of a metal.

The solution of CuSO4(s) contains Cu2+ and SO42− ions. When a current is passed through the solution, the Cu2+ ions accept electrons from the cathode. After accepting the electrons, the Cu2+ ions get reduced and get deposited at the spoon. As the reduction reaction takes place over the cathode, so the spoon acts as the cathode, while the Copper strip acts as the anode.

To determine: The labeling of the anode and cathode in the given set up and the direction of electron flow.

Explanation

The spoon acts as the cathode, while the Copper strip acts as the anode and the transfer of electrons occur from anode to cathode.

The direction of electron flow is shown as,

Interpretation:

The set up of a cell in which Copper can be plated onto a spoon by placing it in an acidic solution of CuSO4(aq) and its connection to a Copper strip via power source is given. The labeling of the anode and cathode in the given set up and the direction of electron flow is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The non-spontaneous reaction takes place in an electrolytic cell in which there occurs conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy and this is used for the electrolysis of a metal.

The solution of CuSO4(s) contains Cu2+ and SO42− ions. When a current is passed through the solution, the Cu2+ ions accept electrons from the cathode. After accepting the electrons, the Cu2+ ions get reduced and get deposited at the spoon. As the reduction reaction takes place over the cathode, so the spoon acts as the cathode, while the Copper strip acts as the anode.

To determine: The chemical equations for the reactions that occur at each electrode.

The chemical reactions taking place at the anode is,

Cu→Cu2++2e−

The chemical reaction taking place at cathode is,

Cu2++2e−→Cu