(a) With the help of a diagram explain the method of refining of copper by electrolysis.(b) How are broken railway tracks joined? Give the name of the process and the chemical equation of the reaction involved.

(a) Electro refining of copper.

Impure copper is made the anode and a thin strip of pure copper is made the cathode.
A solution of acidified copper sulphate is taken as an electrolyte.
On passing the current the pure metal from the anode dissolves into the electrolyte and equivalent amount of pure metal is deposited on the cathode.
At Anode:- Cu(s)⟶ Cu2+(aq) + 2e−
At Cathode:- Cu2++2e−⟶ Cu(s)

(b) Broken railway tracks are joined by filling in the gaps with molten iron formed in the reaction of Fe2O3 with aluminum powder. This is known as the Thermite process. The reaction is given below:
$Fe_2O_3 (s) + 2Al(s) \rightarrow 2Fe(l)+Al_2O_3 (s) + Heat$

Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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