A beaker contains an acidified copper sulphate solution. A copper plate and a carbon rod are kept in this copper sulphate solution. The copper plate is connected to the positive terminal of a battery whereas the carbon rod is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. What will you observe when an electric current is passed through this set-up for a considerable time?
The carbon is a non-metal which is more reactive than copper. When, an electric current is passed through this set-up for a considerable time, then carbon replaces copper ions from solutions and they deposit on the negative electrode. Thus, a red-brown layer of copper metal will be deposited on the carbon rod connected to the negative terminal of the battery.