The commercial purification of copper metal is carried out in electrolytic cells. The anode is composed of

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The commercial purification of copper metal is carried out in electrolytic cells. The anode is composed of impure (‘blister’) copper, and the electrolyte is a mixture of aqueous CuSO4 and H2SO4. During purification, copper is effectively transferred from the anode to the cathode, and pure copper is thereby produced. 

(a) How does an electrolytic cell differ from a galvanic cell? 

(b) Write half-equations for the cathode and anode reactions. 

(c) Is the overall cell reaction spontaneous? If not, how does it occur?

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Inorganic Chemistry

ISBN: 9781292134147

5th Edition

Authors: Catherine Housecroft

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