HELP! I need to do a slideshow for my Chemistry asssesment.How is copper obtained from copper-RICH ores? (not low-grade ores?)Thank you!10 points for best/most helpful answer! :D:)
Electrorefining Apparatus for electrolytic refining of copper The copper is refined by electrolysis. The anodes cast from processed blister copper are placed into an aqueous solution of 3–4% copper sulfate and 10–16% sulfuric acid. Cathodes are thin rolled sheets of highly pure copper. A potential of only 0.2–0.4 volts is required for the process to commence. At the anode, copper and less noble metals dissolve. More noble metals such as silver and gold as well as selenium and tellurium settle to the bottom of the cell as anode slime, which forms a saleable byproduct. Copper(II) ions migrate through the electrolyte to the cathode. At the cathode, copper metal plates out but less noble constituents such as arsenic and zinc remain in solution. The reactions are: At the anode: Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e– At the cathode: Cu2+(aq) + 2e– → Cu(s)
