Consider the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of copper sulfate using inert platinum electrodes. What chemical species is preferentially discharged at the anode during this electrolytic process?

💡 Solution & Explanation

During aqueous copper sulfate electrolysis with inert platinum electrodes, hydroxide ions have a lower discharge potential than sulfate ions, causing them to oxidize at the anode and release oxygen gas and water. Sulfate ions remain in solution due to high oxidation potential requirements. Copper deposition occurs at the cathode rather than the anode. Hydrogen gas evolution is suppressed because copper ions have a lower reduction potential than hydrogen ions and deposit preferentially at the cathode instead.