C2: Electrolysis

Question	Answer
Name the three advantages of recycling copper, by electrolysis.	- low melting point, so it is cheap to melt. -reduces the need for mining. -keeps the cost of copper down.
Name the three disadvantages of recycling copper, by electrolysis.	-less copper is mined so there are less jobs. -the process can cause pollution. -the small amounts used in electoral equipment are difficult to separate.
In electrolysis what is the solution used?	The solution is electrolyte of copper sulphate solution.
What does the mnemonic OILRIG stand for?	Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain.
Does impure copper dissolve at the cathode or anode?	It dissolves at the anode.
What is the cathode made from?	It is made from a pure sheet of copper.
Why does the concentration of copper sulphate solution stay the same?	The solution stays the same because the impure copper dissolves and is plated onto the cathode at the same rate.
What is the equation for oxidation? and also describe what happens to the electrons.	At the anode the copper atoms lose electrons to form Cu+ ions. Cu - 2e- --> Cu2+
What is the equation for reduction and describe what happens to the electrons?	Copper is plated on to the cathode when Cu2+ ions gain electrons. Cu2++ 2e- --> Cu

Resource summary

	Created by Ella Maggs over 8 years ago