How can electrolysis be used to purify copper? | Socratic
Feb 16, 2014· Electrolysis of copper transfers copper atoms from an impure copper anode to a pure copper cathode, leaving the impurities behind.. Unrefined copper is about 99 % pure. It contains traces of metals such as Fe, Zn, Ag, Au, and Pt. The purity can be increased to % by electrolytic refining in a cell similar to that shown below.