During the electrolytic refining of impure copper, where is pure copper deposited and what material is used as the cathode?

💡 Solution & Explanation

During electrolytic refining of copper, the impure copper block serves as the anode, while a thin strip of pure copper acts as the cathode immersed in an acidified copper sulfate electrolyte. Copper ions from the solution migrate to the cathode and gain electrons to deposit as pure copper metal, while impurities settle at the bottom as anode mud. Gold and silver are often recovered commercially from the anode mud.