Industrially, copper is purified by electrolysis. The impure copper acts as the anode, and the cathode is made of pure copper. The electrodes are immersed in a CuSO4 solution. During electrolysis, copper at the anode enters the solution as Cu2+ while Cu2+ ions are reduced at the cathode.
(a) Write half-cell reactions and the overall reaction for the electrolytic process.
(b) Suppose the anode was contaminated with Zn and Ag. Explain what happens to these impurities during electrolysis.
(c) How many hours will it take to obtain 1.00 kg of Cu at a current of 18.9 A?