What will happen during the electrolysis of aqueous solution of CuSO_…

The correct answer is Option (2) → A and C only

Platinum electrodes are inert: they do not take part in the reaction, so the products come from the ions and water in the solution.

• (A) Copper will deposit at cathode — Correct. \( \ce{Cu^{2+}} \) is reduced more easily than water: \( \ce{Cu^{2+}} \) + 2e⁻ → Cu.

• (B) Copper will deposit at anode — Incorrect. The anode is where oxidation takes place; \( \ce{Cu^{2+}} \) ions are reduced only at the cathode.

• (C) Oxygen will be released at anode — Correct. \( \ce{SO4^{2-}} \) is not oxidised, so water is oxidised: \( \ce{2H2O} \) → \( \ce{O2} \) + \( \ce{4H^{+}} \) + 4e⁻.

• (D) Copper will dissolve at anode — Incorrect. Copper dissolves at the anode only when the anode is made of copper; a platinum anode has no copper to dissolve.

NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Products of Electrolysis – “Products of electrolysis depend on the nature of material being electrolysed and the type of electrodes being used. If the electrode is inert (e.g., platinum or gold), it does not participate in the chemical reaction and acts only as source or sink for electrons. On the other hand, if the electrode is reactive, it participates in the electrode reaction.”

Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below: