During the electrolysis of aqueous copper sulphate using copper electrodes, copper ions are generated at the anode that go into the copper sulphate solution used as electrolyte.

Which of the following is correct regarding the mass of anode

P. Mass of anode remains same
Q. Mass of anode gradually decreases
R. Mass of anode gradually increases

1. Only P
2. Only Q
3. Both P and Q
4. P, Q and R

Only Q

Reason — SO₄^2- and OH^1- ions migrate to the anode but neither are discharged since the copper anode loses electrons more easily than SO₄^2- and OH^1-. Hence, copper anode shows a loss in mass.