Question

Explain REFINING OF COPPER with reaction,activity and full elaboration.

Answer 1

A metal extracted by any method is usually contaminated with some impurity . for obtaining metal of high purity , we use the concept of refining .
there are many method for refining of metal .
(a) electrolysis (b) Zone refining
(c) vapour phase refining (d) chromatographic method etc .

but in case of copper we use Electrolytic refining method
============================
in this method , the impure metal is made to act an anode . A strip of the same metal in pure form is used as cathode .
they are put in suitable electrolytic bath containing soluble salt of the same metal .
the more basic metal remains in the solution and the less basic ones go to the anode mud .

now, in case of cupper :- Anode of impure copper and pure copper strip are taken as cathode . the electrolyte is acidified solution of copper sulphate (CuSO4) and net result of electrolysis is the transfer of copper in pure form the anode to cathode :
in Anode Cu → Cu+2 +2e

cathode: Cu+2 + 2e → Cu

impurities from blister copper deposit as anode mud which contains antimony , selenium , tellurium , silver , gold , platinum ; recovery of these elements may meet the cost of refining .