The electrolytic cell below is set up to obtain pure copper from a piece of impure copper - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 9
The electrolytic cell below is set up to obtain pure copper from a piece of impure copper.
The impure copper contains other metals, such as platinum, iron, cobalt, ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The electrolytic cell below is set up to obtain pure copper from a piece of impure copper - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Define an electrolytic cell.
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Answer
An electrolytic cell is a system in which electrical energy is converted into chemical energy to facilitate a chemical reaction. It operates through the application of an external electric current, enabling non-spontaneous reactions to occur.
Step 2
Write down the FORMULA of a suitable electrolyte for this cell.
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Answer
A suitable electrolyte could be copper(II) sulfate, represented as CuSO₄.
Step 3
Which electrode (A or B) is the cathode? Write down the relevant half-reaction taking place at this electrode.
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Answer
Electrode B is the cathode. The relevant half-reaction occurring at this electrode during the electrolysis process is:
ightarrow Cu$$
Step 4
Which of the metals, PLATINUM, IRON, COBALT, SILVER or NICKEL, will be present in the sludge?
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Answer
The metals that will be present in the sludge are likely Platinum (Pt), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Silver (Ag), or Nickel (Ni), depending on their respective solubilities and reactions within the electrolyte during the process.
