The electrolysis of aqueous CuSO4 using active electrodes (copper) can be used to create pure copper (purification of impure copper) by:
Using impure copper on cathode and pure copper on anode.
Using pure copper on cathode and pure copper on anode.
Using pure copper on cathode and impure copper on anode.
Using pure carbon on cathode and impure copper on anode.
During the electrolysis of aqueous CuSO4 using inert electrodes (e.g. carbon), the equation(s) for preferentially discharged at the electrodes are:
Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ → Cu(s) at the anode.
Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s) at the cathode.
4OH⁻(aq) → O2(g)+ 2H2O(l) +4e at the cathode.
4OH⁻(aq) + 4e → O2(g)+ 2H2O(l).
During the electrolysis of aqueous CuSO4 using active electrodes (copper), the electrode that reduces in size is:
Cathode.
Copper.
Anode.
Carbon.
