Electrolysis

Copper Electrolysis

Copper is a metal element found in the form of an ore in most cases before refining the copper it is usually dissolved from the ore with a sulphuric acid solution. The copper can then be recovered from the solution through electrolysis.

Electrolysis is electric currents set up between positive and negative electrodes called cathodes and anodes. The negative cathodes is usually made of thin sheets of pure copper while the positive anodes is usually made of lead or Zinc. The anode and cathode is connected to a power source and is then placed into the solution.

During electrolysis the anode loses copper and the cathode gains a layer of pure copper. This happens as a result of the anode being positively charged retracting the copper and the cathode being negatively charged attracting the positively charged copper, impurities are left behind at the bottom through this process.

The reactivity of an element mainly determines how it reacts. Less reactive elements lose electrons more rapidly and form positive ions. Copper is one of the least reactive elements in the series being only above mercury, silver and gold. Electrolysis works on copper as the anode becomes positively charged through the power source, the copper is extracted from the anode and is attracted to the negatively charged cathode.

Copper is used in almost every electrical appliance today, it’s used in power lines, pipes, computers, phones, speakers, headphones TVs and wires. Copper is so useful as an element because it’s soft and easily bent and also conducts electricity and heat without reacting with water, this makes it very useful especially for pipes and wires.

Copper pipes are very useful as they do not react with water and lasts much longer.

An alternative replacement for copper pipes is PEX pipes. Other appliances that use wires would require an electric conducting metal that can bend to replace it’s copper.

Copper comes in the form of an ore called chalcopyrite this can be mined in many places among Australia including Olympic Dam, South Australia, Mount Morgan mine and Mount Juke mine sites.