# A student carries out electrolysis of copper chloride solution using inert electrodes. Explain what happens at each electrode, including the names of the products formed.

> OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248) — C3.4 Electrolysis · Explain · 4 marks

> Copper chloride solution contains copper ions (Cu²⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) that are free to move through the electrolyte. When electricity is passed through the solution, chemical reactions occur at both electrodes.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Copper ions (Cu²⁺) move to the cathode (negative electrode)
2. Copper is deposited at the cathode because the copper ions gain electrons / reduction occurs at the cathode
3. Chloride ions (Cl⁻) move to the anode (positive electrode)
4. Chlorine gas is produced at the anode because chloride ions lose electrons / oxidation occurs at the anode

## Key terms

- [inert](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/inert)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-carries-out-electrolysis-of-c2bd97fb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.