1. Electrolysis in industries Date:_______________
Applications:
1) Purification of metals
2) Electroplating of metals
3) Extraction of metals (H/W: draw Figure 6.4 & make own notes form Text Book, pg.102)
1) Purification of metals (E.g: copper )
 Electrolyte : a solution of the metal ions (E.g: Copper (II) Sulphate solution )
 Anode : impure metal_____________ (E.g: impure copper )
 Cathode : pure metal____________ __ (E.g: pure copper )
Description:
During the electrolysis: impure copper as the anode: pure copper as the cathode.
The impure copper plate (anode) dissolves and the impurities fall to the bottom of the beaker/container.
Cu → Cu2+ + 2e-
At the pure copper plate (cathode), the copper (II) ions are discharged. A layer of copper is deposited on the
anode plate.
Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu
2) Electroplating of metals.
Electroplating = a process of depositing a layer of metal on another substance using electrolysis.
Purposes:
 To make the object more resistant to corrosion. (To protect the object to be plated from corrosion)
 To make the object look more attractive. (To give the object a more attractive appearance)
 Electrolyte : a solution of the plating metal ion (E.g: copper (II)sulphate solution)
 Anode : Pure plating metal (E.g: Pure copper)
 Cathode : Object to be electroplated (E.g: iron spoon/ key/coins)
Description:
During the electrolysis: pure copper as the anode: iron spoon as the cathode.
The pure copper (anode) dissolves to form copper(II) ions.
Cu → Cu2+ + 2e-
At the iron spoon (cathode), the copper (II) ions are discharged. A layer of copper is deposited on the surface of
the iron spoon.
Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu
Electroplating of the iron spoon copper occurs.

2. Electroplating of copper on an iron spoon