with the help of a labeled diagram, explain the process of electrolytic refining of copper metal
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Electrolysis of copper from copper sulphate solution (electrolyte) is done using copper electrodes. The crude copper serves as anode while a thin sheet of pure copper serves as cathode.
The electrolyte consists of an acidic solution of CuSO4. Applying suitable voltage to the electrodes causes, oxidation of copper metal at the anode (Cu - 2e Cu2+) and reduction of Cu2+ to form copper metal at the cathode (Cu2+ + 2e Cu).
As the anodes (impure copper) dissolve away, the cathodes on which the pure metal is deposited grow in size.
The impurities in the copper anode which are more active than copper are readily oxidized at the anode but do not plate out at the cathode because their reduction potentials are more negative than that for Cu2+.
Hope this information will clear your doubts about topic.
The electrolyte consists of an acidic solution of CuSO4. Applying suitable voltage to the electrodes causes, oxidation of copper metal at the anode (Cu - 2e Cu2+) and reduction of Cu2+ to form copper metal at the cathode (Cu2+ + 2e Cu).
As the anodes (impure copper) dissolve away, the cathodes on which the pure metal is deposited grow in size.
The impurities in the copper anode which are more active than copper are readily oxidized at the anode but do not plate out at the cathode because their reduction potentials are more negative than that for Cu2+.
Hope this information will clear your doubts about topic.
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