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Which of the following electrolytes is used in the electrolytic refining of copper?
Sodium sulphate
Cuprous chloride
Copper oxide
Copper sulphate
Copper sulphate
In the electrolytic refining of copper, an acidified aqueous solution of copper sulphate (CuSO4тАЛ) is used as the electrolyte. During this industrial process, impure copper acts as the anode and a pure copper strip acts as the cathode.
In the electrolytic refining of copper, an acidified aqueous solution of copper sulphate (CuSO4тАЛ) is used as the electrolyte. During this industrial process, impure copper acts as the anode and a pure copper strip acts as the cathode.
Think of it like a meticulous cleaning conveyor belt: impure copper enters at one end (anode), sheds its dirt (anodes mud), and gets freshly plated as pure, shining copper at the other end (cathode).
AN-OX and RED-CAT: Oxidation occurs at the ANode, Reduction occurs at the CATode.
Cu(s)тАЛтЖТCu(aq)2+тАЛ+2eтИТ тАФ Anode Reaction (Oxidation)
Cu(aq)2+тАЛ+2eтИТтЖТCu(s)тАЛ тАФ Cathode Reaction (Reduction)
When an electric current is passed through the acidified copper sulphate electrolyte, copper from the impure anode dissolves into the electrolyte as Cu2+ ions. Simultaneously, an equivalent amount of copper ions from the solution deposits onto the pure copper cathode. Impurities less reactive than copper, such as gold, silver, and platinum, settle at the bottom as anode mud, while more reactive impurities like iron and zinc remain dissolved in the solution.
Electrolyte used is acidified copper sulphate (CuSO4тАЛ + dil. H_2S_O_4).
Impure copper block forms the anode (+ terminal).
Thin strip of pure copper forms the cathode (- terminal).
Precious impurities like silver, gold, and platinum settle at the bottom as anode mud.
Produces ultra-pure copper (99.9% purity) required for electrical wiring and electronics.
Enables the recovery of valuable noble metal byproducts (anode mud).
High electrical energy consumption required for the refining process.
Time-consuming industrial setup.
Manufacturing high-purity electrical cables and wires
Electroplating and electronics circuit board production
Dilute sulfuric acid (H2тАЛSO4тАЛ) is added to the copper sulphate electrolyte to increase its electrical conductivity and prevent the hydrolysis of copper ions.
Sodium sulphate, cuprous chloride, and copper oxide are incorrect as they do not serve as the standard electrolyte for electrolytic copper refining.
D is correct тАФ Copper sulphate is used as the electrolyte in the electrolytic refining of copper.
Always remember that in electrolytic refining, the impure metal always acts as the anode, the pure metal strip acts as the cathode, and a soluble salt of the same metal is used as the electrolyte.
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