Electrolysis of pure copper

Question 1

How can copper be extracted from it’s ore?

Answer 1

By reduction with carbon

Question 2

Whats wrong with using carbon reduction to extract pure copper?

Answer 2

Copper made in this way is impure.

Question 3

Which method is used to purify the copper?

Answer 3

Electrolysis is used to purify it.

Question 4

What components does the electrolysis method require?

Answer 4

It uses an electrochemical cell with copper electrodes.

Question 5

What is at the anode and cathode?

Answer 5

Cathode- pure copper

Anode- Impure copper

Question 6

Describe the electrolysis of pure copper:

Answer 6

1) The impure copper is oxidised- it loses electrons. This is because the pure copper ions dissolve in the electrolytes to form copper ions.
2) The cathode is reduced at the pure copper as it gains the copper ions from the electrolyte solution and add to it as a layer of pure copper.
3) Any impurities from the impure copper anode sinks to bottom to forma sludge.

Question 7

What is the formula at the anode?

Answer 7

Cu——> Cu2+ + 2e-

Question 8

What is the formula at the cathode?

Answer 8

Cu2+ + 2e- ——> Cu