What substance is deposited at the cathode when copper ions are reduced in solution?

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Multiple Choice

What substance is deposited at the cathode when copper ions are reduced in solution?

Explanation:
At the cathode, reduction takes place, so positively charged copper ions gain electrons and become metallic copper. The relevant reaction is Cu2+ + 2 e− → Cu(s). This copper metal then deposits on the cathode. Copper oxide would require oxide ions to combine with copper, which doesn’t happen simply by reducing Cu2+ in solution. Hydrogen gas would only form if water were reduced instead of the copper ions, which is less favorable under typical copper plating conditions. Oxygen gas forms at the anode from water oxidation, not at the cathode. So, the substance deposited is copper metal.

At the cathode, reduction takes place, so positively charged copper ions gain electrons and become metallic copper. The relevant reaction is Cu2+ + 2 e− → Cu(s). This copper metal then deposits on the cathode. Copper oxide would require oxide ions to combine with copper, which doesn’t happen simply by reducing Cu2+ in solution. Hydrogen gas would only form if water were reduced instead of the copper ions, which is less favorable under typical copper plating conditions. Oxygen gas forms at the anode from water oxidation, not at the cathode. So, the substance deposited is copper metal.

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