Question

Electrolysis is used in the electroplating of metals. The same amount of current is passed through separate aqueous solutions of CuSO4, Sn(SO4)2 and Cr2(SO4)3 in separate electrolytic cells for the same amount of time. State and explain which cell would deposit the greatest amount (in mol) of metal. Identify the electrode at which the metal is deposited.

Answer 1

Answer:

CuSO4 cell will have the greatest amount of deposit among all three. The deposit will occur at the cathode

Explanation:

The valence of the elements in this case is as follows -

Cu - 2e-

Sn - 4e-

Cr - 3e-

CuSO4 cell will have the greatest amount of deposit among all three

The atoms of copper metal will deposit at the cathode. At the cathode, the least number of moles of electrons needed .

Hence, more amount of copper  can be extracted out by the electrolyte