An electrochemical cell is set up as shown in the diagram - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 5
An electrochemical cell is set up as shown in the diagram.
Al(s)
Cu(s)
V
salt bridge
Aℓ3+(aq)
Cu2+(aq)
What are two observations for this electrochemical cel... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:An electrochemical cell is set up as shown in the diagram - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Observation 1: In Beaker 2 the blue solution faded
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Answer
In an electrochemical cell, the reaction involves the reduction of Cu<sup>2+</sup> ions in the solution, leading to a decrease in the concentration of blue Cu<sup>2+</sup> ions. This causes the blue solution in Beaker 2 to fade as copper is deposited on the electrode.
Step 2
Observation 2: A reddish precipitate formed on the copper electrode
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Answer
During the occurrence of the electrochemical reaction, aluminum reacts with the copper sulfate solution, leading to the precipitation of copper metal on the copper electrode as it displaces the copper ions in the solution. This reaction causes the formation of a reddish precipitate on the copper electrode as copper solid is deposited.