Draw a labelled diagram to show electrolytic refining of copper. State what happens when electric current is…
Draw a labelled diagram to show electrolytic refining of copper. State what happens when electric current is passed through the electrolyte taken in this case.
Solution
[Diagram: electrolytic refining of copper — cathode, anode, acidified copper sulphate solution, tank, impurities (anode mud). Refer Figure 3.12 page 52 NCERT; 2 labellings: Electrodes and Electrolyte]
When a current is passed through an aqueous solution of CuSO4, the pure metal from the anode dissolves in the electrolyte (CuSO4 solution) and equivalent amount of pure copper from CuSO4 solution is deposited on the cathode.
Alternate answer:
At anode: Cu --→ Cu2+ +2e-
At Cathode: Cu2+ +2e- --→ Cu