What is the primary product formed at the anode during the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of copper sulfate using inert platinum electrodes?

💡 Solution & Explanation

During the electrolysis of aqueous copper sulfate with inert platinum electrodes, hydroxide ions or water molecules undergo oxidation at the anode preferentially over sulfate ions, resulting in the liberation of oxygen gas. Copper ions migrate to the cathode where they accept electrons and deposit as pink copper metal. Using active copper electrodes instead of platinum would result in the dissolution of the copper anode itself.