Question

Which of the following is an electrolyte used during the electrolytic refining of copper?

(a) Copper sulphate solution

(b) Copper sulphate solution acidified with sulphuric acid

(c) Sulphuric acid

(d) Copper chloride

This question was addressed to me during an interview.

I'd like to ask this question from Refining topic in division General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct choice is (b) Copper sulphate solution acidified with sulphuric acid

To explain: In the electrolytic refining of copper, crude copper or blister copper is made the anode, a thin sheet of pure copper is made the cathode and a solution of copper sulphate acidified by sulphuric acid is used as the electrolyte.