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a. Purified copper contains at least 99.8% copper - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 9
a. Purified copper contains at least 99.8% copper. Purified copper is used in electronic devices because it is a good electrical conductor and resists corrosion. Pur... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:a. Purified copper contains at least 99.8% copper - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
explain what happens to the Au, Zn and Pb with reference to the electrochemical series
Answer
In the electrochemical series, zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) are more reactive than copper (Cu) and will therefore undergo oxidation at the anode when the electric current is applied. Specifically, Zn will oxidize to form Zn²⁺ ions, while Pb will oxidize to form Pb²⁺ ions. In contrast, gold (Au) is less reactive than copper and will not undergo oxidation; hence, it will not be oxidized in this process. The copper ions (Cu²⁺) in the electrolytic solution will be reduced at the cathode, leading to the deposition of pure copper while the impure copper anode dissolves.