Two Faraday of electricity is passed through a solution of CuSO4. The mass of copper deposited at the cathode is : (at. mass of Cu =63.5 amu)
(D) Cu2+ + 2e– Cu(s)
2 equivalents of Cu2+ = 2 × = 63.5 gm
This question involves calculating the mass of copper deposited during electrolysis when a specific amount of electric charge is passed. The key concept here is Faraday's laws of electrolysis.
Step 1: Understand Faraday's First Law
Faraday's first law states that the mass of a substance deposited or liberated at an electrode is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity passed through the electrolyte. The formula is:
where is the mass deposited, is the charge in coulombs, and is the electrochemical equivalent.
Step 2: Relate Charge to Faradays
One Faraday (F) is the charge required to deposit one mole of electrons. Its value is 96,500 coulombs. The charge passed is given as 2 Faradays, so:
Step 3: Determine the Reaction at Cathode
For CuSO4 solution, copper is deposited at the cathode. The reduction reaction is:
This shows that 2 moles of electrons are required to deposit 1 mole of copper.
Step 4: Calculate Moles of Electrons and Copper
Since 2 Faradays of charge is passed, it corresponds to 2 moles of electrons (because 1 F = 1 mole of electrons).
From the reaction, 2 moles of electrons deposit 1 mole of copper. Therefore, 2 moles of electrons will deposit exactly 1 mole of copper.
Step 5: Find the Mass Deposited
The atomic mass of copper is given as 63.5 g/mol. So, the mass of 1 mole of copper is 63.5 grams.
Thus, the mass of copper deposited is .
Final Answer: 63.5 g
Faraday's Laws of Electrolysis:
- First Law: , where and E is the equivalent weight.
- Second Law: When the same quantity of electricity is passed through different electrolytes, the masses of substances deposited are proportional to their equivalent weights.
Equivalent Weight:
For a metal, equivalent weight = . For copper (Cu2+), valency is 2, so equivalent weight = .
Using Formula Directly:
Mass deposited =
Here, Q = 2 × 96500 C, E = 31.75 g/equiv
So, m =