Question

Copper sulfate is the electrolyte that is brought up most commonly when we talk about the refining of copper. Do any of the copper ions from the copper sulfate solution reduce at the anode like the copper ions that were oxidized from the cathode?

Answer 1

In the electrolytic refining of copper, copper ions from the copper sulfate solution do reduce at the anode, similar to the copper ions that were oxidized from the cathode.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the refining of copper, copper sulfate is commonly used as the electrolyte. When the circuit is closed, copper metal from the anode (Cu) is oxidized to form copper ions (Cu2+) in the solution. On the other hand, copper ions from the solution are reduced at the cathode to form copper metal. So, yes, some of the copper ions from the copper sulfate solution do reduce at the anode, similar to the copper ions that were oxidized from the cathode.