Question

explain with the help of a diagram how copper metal can be refined label the important arrangements in the experiment set up?

Answer 1

Hi,

Here is the answer to your question:


Process



The process of electrorefining of metals involves the following steps:

The electrolyte is usually an aqueous solution of the salt of the metal with some corresponding acid, if necessary.

A thick block of impure metal is made the anode.

A thin rod/sheet of pure metal is made the cathode.

The metal cations being positive migrate towards the cathode and get discharged.

At anode the atoms of the metal lose electrons, form cations and enter the solution.

The less electropositive impurities in the anode, settle down at the bottom and are removed as anode mud, while the more electropositive impurities pass into the solution.

Uses



Metals like silver, nickel, lead, zinc and copper are refined by this method.

The electrolytic method sometimes yields valuable metals in the form of anode mud e.g., silver and gold are collected in the anode-mud during the electrolytic refining of copper.

a) Electrorefining of Copper

Electrolyte - Aqueous copper sulphate solution (acidified)

Cathode - Pure copper metal (thin rod)

Anode - Impure copper metal (thick block)

Dissociation of copper sulphate -