During the electrolytic refining of impure copper metal, what is the standard arrangement of electrodes used in the electrolytic cell?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In the industrial electrolytic refining of copper, a block of impure copper serves as the anode, while a thin strip of pure copper acts as the cathode. Upon passing electric current, copper from the impure anode dissolves into the acidified copper sulfate electrolyte and deposits as pure copper metal onto the cathode, leaving impurities as anode mud at the bottom. Reversing these electrode roles would coat the impure metal instead of refining it. Copper ions migrate towards the cathode during this electrochemical process.