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.
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.
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.
