Purification of Copper

• Complete the following passage by selecting the appropriate words from

the list at the bottom.

In copper sulphate (CuSO4), the copper (Cu2+) forms an ionic bond with the
sulphate (SO42-). This is because the ………. gives two electrons to the ………
….., so the ………… has a positive charge and the …………….. has a
negative charge. This leaves an electrostatic …………… between the two.
If dissolved in water, the copper and sulphate ions are free to move about. If
electrodes are placed in the ………….., the copper will be attracted towards the
………… charged electrode (the cathode). Once it reaches the cathode, it will
gain 2 ……….., making it electro-statically neutral. It forms ……… solid
copper on the cathode.
The sulphate is negatively charged so it will be attracted to the …………
charged electrode (the anode). Once it reaches the anode, it ‘collects’ a ……
…. atom. The copper atom has had its ……… ‘sucked’ from it by the anode,
leaving it with a positive charge. This means it is …..…… to the negatively
charged sulphate.
This process continues until the anode is completely worn away. Any ………
…… in the anode will fall to the bottom of the container. This is called ‘anode
sludge’, and may contain useful elements like precious metals.
Positively Repulsion Electrons Impurities Sulphate Solution
Attraction Pure Copper Negatively Attracted
(Some words used twice)