Electrolysis of copper? Which contains pure copper?

Question

I have a GCSE chemistry exam tomorrow and i really don't understand electrolysis. could anyone explain it in quite simple terms. The main thing i need to know, is does the cathode or anode contain pure copper? I would be greatful of any help possible.

Answer 1

Your question is not clear, however, I will explain you in a brief manner what electrolysis is. Lets have a solution of Copper Sulphate (Cu SO4) (could be any other) if you pass a DC current through introducing one electrode charged negatively and another charged positively, the cathode is the electrode through which (positive) electric current flows out of the polarized electrical device. Now you get ions and cations solved into the solution, the electricity separate the Copper as positive ions deposited around the negative electrode (cathode), some sulfur and H2 gas cations charged negatively is expelled to the atmosphere from the positive charged electrode (anode), the metal deposited in the cathode is pure metal copper (Cu++). This arrangement is widely known as a galvanic cell.

Answer 2

In the purification of copper, the impure copper is the anode. The pure copper is the cathode.

When an electric current flows through the electrodes, the impure copper breaks down. The copper atoms lose two electrons to form copper ions with a charge of 2+.

Ionic Equation at Anode: Cu -> 2e- + Cu2+

These copper ions, which are positively charged then move through the electrolyte to the cathode, which is negatively charged. The electrolyte is a solution of a copper salt, usually copper sulphate.

At the cathode, the copper ions gain two electrons to form copper atoms.

Ionic Equation at Cathode: Cu2+ + 2e- -> Cu

As the impure copper rod breaks down, precious metals such as gold and silver fall to the bottom of the electrolytic vessel. This is known as anode mud and help make the process economical.

Answer 3

Did you mean where will the pure copper be deposited?

Usually an inert electrode is used in electrolysis like platinum.

To remember the electrolytic redox reaction, try to memorize
"NeRedCat" (Negative/ Reduction/ Cathode).
Wherein Reduction will occur in Cathode (positive polarity).

So if you electrolyse Cu2+, it will be reduced to Cu0.

Since reduction, it will be deposited in negative electrode or cathode. As the negative electrode supplies electrons that neutralize 2+ of Cu into 0.

Cathodic reaction : Cu2+ + 2e- = Cu

Take note on terms:

In an electrolytic cell, CATHODE is termed for negative electrode.

In galvanic cell, CATHODE is termed for positive electrode.

Answer 4

The anode is made of impure copper, and the cathode of pure copper. The electrolyte can be CuSO4 solution, and the net effect is that Cu2+ ions travel through it from anode (where they have dissolved off) to cathode (where they get deposited).

Answer 5

A complete copper ore processing plant mainly includes copper ore crushing stage, copper ore powder making stage, copper concentrate manufacturing stage, and copper concentrate drying stage. Each stage needs different copper ore mining equipment. How can we get copper concentrate from copper ore? Flotation separation, Gravity separation, and magnetic separation are the mainly methods which are used in mineral ore dressing plant. In most copper ore mining processing plant, flotation method are widely used by copper mines owners.