Chemistry
Chemistry
Problem
A constant current of 2.0 A is passed through an electrolytic cell containing Cu²⁺(aq) for exactly 10 min, producing 0.394 g of copper metal at the cathode. If the current is instead adjusted to 4.0 A and allowed to flow for 5.0 min, which of the following best predicts the mass of copper that will be deposited? a) b) c) d)Intuitive explanation
The key is recognizing that electrodeposition depends on total charge (), not on current and time separately. Since charge is what drives the reduction of Cu²⁺ ions at the cathode, you need to compare the total charge in each scenario. If the charge stays the same, the same number of electrons flow, producing the same mass of copper—regardless of how you split current and time.
Intuitive explanation
The key is recognizing that electrodeposition depends on total charge (), not on current and time separately. Since charge is what drives the reduction of Cu²⁺ ions at the cathode, you need to compare the total charge in each scenario. If the charge stays the same, the same number of electrons flow, producing the same mass of copper—regardless of how you split current and time.