Question

When the sample of copper with zinc impurity is to be purified by electrolysis, the appropriate electrodes of cathode and anode are:

• A. Pure zinc, Pure copper
• B. Impure sample, Pure copper
• C. Impure zinc, Impure sample
• D. Pure copper, Impure sample

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Pure copper, Impure sample

Electrolysis is the process by which ionic substances are decomposed into simpler substances when an electric current is passed through them. In purification by electrolysis, the Impure metal is made anode while pure metal is made cathode. Hence, the cathode is made of pure copper and anode is made of the impure sample.