Question

How copper is refined using electrolytic refining

Answer 1

impure block of copper is taken as a cathode and the thin strip of a pure copper metal is taken as anode. copper salt is taken as a electrolyte. then the electricity is passed through it. the pure copper metal ions from the impure blockmoves into the solution inform solution the pure metal ions moves to the anode and take charges and converts into metal and the impurities get collected under the anode and is called anode mud.

Answer 2

$\large \text{ELECTROLYTIC REFINING OF COPPER:}$

• Electrolytic refining is the process of obtaining pure metal. The electrolyte has to be the salt of the metal which needs to be purified or refined.

Process by which copper is refined using electrolytic refining

⤑Here, we are trying to refine copper so the electrolyte taken is acidified copper sulphate solution.

⤑The anode is taken as a thick rod made up of impure copper.

⤑Cathode is made up of pure copper and it is taken in the form of a thin rod.

⤑When current passes, copper sulphate i.e. the electrolyte dissociates into copper ions and sulphate ions.

⤑At anode, copper atoms lose 2 electrons to the anode and change into copper ions.

⤑These copper ions come into the electrolyte. The copper ions from the electrolyte get attracted towards the cathode.

⤑They gain two electrons from the cathode and in turn change into copper atoms.

⤑As more or more copper atoms get deposited on cathode, the cathode goes on becoming thicker.

⤑As, atoms of copper are coming out of anode, anode goes on becoming thinner.

⤑The anode which was made up of impure copper, the impurities they fall below the anode and get collected in the form of anode mud.

⤑Copper which is deposited on cathode is the pure copper and can be used for making electric wires or cables or utensils etc.