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The metals produced by various reduction processes are not very pure. They contain impurities, which must be removed to obtain pure metals. The most widely used method for refining impure metals is electrolytic refining.

(a) What is the cathode and anode made of in the refining of copper by this process ?

(b) Name the solution used in the above process and write its formula.

(c) How copper gets refined when electric current is passed in the electrolytic cell?

OR

(c) You have two beakers 'A' and 'B' containing copper sulphate solution. What would you observe after about 2 hours if you dip a strip of zinc in beaker 'A' and a strip of silver in beaker ‘B’? Give reason for your observations in each case.

Electrolysis

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Answer

(a) In the electrolytic refining of copper:

  • Cathode → A thin strip of pure copper
  • Anode → A thick plate of impure copper

(b)

The electrolyte (solution used) is acidified copper sulphate solution (CuSO4).

(c) When electric current is passed through the electrolyte then

  • Copper from the anode (impure copper) dissolves into the solution as Cu2+ ions.
  • These Cu2+ ions from the electrolyte are deposited on the cathode as pure copper.
  • The impurities (like Ag, Au, Pt) settle down below the anode as anode mud.

Chemical reactions:

  • At anode : Cu (impure) → Cu2++ 2e-
  • At cathode : Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu (pure)

Thus, pure copper is deposited at the cathode and impurities are left behind or fall as anode mud.

OR

(c)

  1. Beaker A : Zinc strip in copper sulphate solution
    • Zinc is more reactive than copper so, zinc displaces copper from copper sulphate solution.

    • Observation : Reddish-brown deposit of copper forms on zinc strip and the blue colour of the solution fades due to decrease in Cu2+ ions.

    • Reaction : Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu

  2. Beaker B : Silver strip in copper sulphate solution
    • Silver is less reactive than copper so, no displacement reaction takes place.

    • Observation : No change in colour of the solution and no deposit on the silver strip.

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