In the electrolytic refining of copper, which material is used as the cathode?
Pure copper
In electrolytic refining the impure metal is made the anode, a thin strip of the pure metal is made the cathode, and a solution of a salt of the metal is the electrolyte; for copper this is acidified copper sulphate solution.
When current is passed, copper from the impure anode dissolves as Cu2+ ions, and an equal amount of pure copper is deposited on the cathode. So a thin plate of pure copper is used as the cathode, and it grows thicker as refining goes on.
Impure copper is the anode, not the cathode; its insoluble impurities settle below it as anode mud. Carbon rods and silver rods are not used as electrodes in this process.
Hence, Pure copper.
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Important Questions from Metals & Non-metals
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1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
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4. Heptachlor
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Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
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3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.
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