During electrorefining of copper, the cathode reaction and anode reaction can be represented as follows:
Cathode reaction: Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s)
Anode reaction: Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e-
At the cathode, copper ions in the aqueous solution gain electrons and are reduced to form solid copper metal. This process helps to purify the copper.
At the anode, solid copper metal is oxidized, losing electrons to form copper ions in the aqueous solution. This helps to maintain the overall charge balance in the electrorefining process.
Write the cathode and anode reaction during electrorefining of copper
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