7.1.4

Electrolysis - Copper Sulfate

Test yourself

Electrolysis of Copper Sulfate

Copper can be purified using electrolysis. You need impure copper attached as the anode.

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Copper sulfate electrolysis

  • The copper ions (Cu2+) will go into the electrolyte solution of copper sulfate.
  • The Cu2+ ions will be attracted to the cathode and pure copper will form.
    • Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s)
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Results

  • The impurities of the anode will fall to the bottom of the beaker.
  • When the mass of the cathode is constant, the purification process is complete.
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Measure mass

To measure the mass of copper formed on the cathode over time:

  • Record the initial mass of the electrodes. The cathode must be cleaned for the copper to stick to it
  • Use a variable resistor because the current may vary during the process. It should be kept constant.
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Measure mass (continued)

  • You should wash electrodes to remove any copper sulfate. You should then dry them.
  • You should also wash the electrodes with a more volatile solvent to make them dry faster. You could use propanone, for instance.
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Equation

  • Measure the final mass of the electrodes to work out the change in mass: change in mass = final mass - initial mass.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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