In the electrolysis of a solution containing both copper sulfate and silver nitrate using inert electrodes, which substance will be deposited first at the cathode?
- Copper
- Silver
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
📝 Detailed explanation
Substances with higher standard reduction potentials are reduced first at the cathode.The reduction potential of Silver (Ag⁺/Ag) is +0.80V.
The reduction potential of Copper (Cu²⁺/Cu) is +0.34V.
Therefore, Silver will be deposited before Copper.