Electrolysis Of Copper

How do we reduce metals more reactive than carbon?

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Potassium Sodium Aluminium (Carbon) Iron Tin Copper Silver Gold

Reduced by electrolysis

Reduced by reacting with carbon Found naturally

Electrolysis • Reduction of reactive metals (more reactive than C). • Purification and reduction of some less reactive metals.

Copper • Used in wires – Needs to have high conductivity Impurities increase resistance So, we reduce copper using electrolysis.

1. The anode’s mass decreases by 10g. How would you expect the cathode’s mass to change? 2. At the end of the experiment, do you think the concentration of the copper sulphate solution will have changed? 3. How could this method be used to recycle old copper?

Tomorrow… Look at the electrolysis of aluminium