Question

In the electrolytic refining of blister copper, the total number of main impurities, from the following, removed as anode mud is ________.
Pb, Sb, Se, Te, Ru, Ag, Au and Pt.

Hint:

Anode mud consists of elements located below Copper in the electrochemical series. They are valuable byproducts that often pay for the cost of the refining process itself!

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 6

During the electrolytic refining of blister copper, impurities in the copper anode dissolve into the electrolyte, while less reactive impurities do not dissolve and form anode mud. The main impurities that typically end up in the anode mud are those less reactive than copper, which do not dissolve in the copper sulfate solution used for refining.

In this context, the impurities listed include: Pb (Lead), Sb (Antimony), Se (Selenium), Te (Tellurium), Ru (Ruthenium), Ag (Silver), Au (Gold), and Pt (Platinum).

Analyzing which of these elements are typically found in anode mud:

• Ag (Silver) - Less reactive, ends up in anode mud.
• Au (Gold) - Less reactive, ends up in anode mud.
• Pt (Platinum) - Less reactive, ends up in anode mud.
• Se (Selenium) - Though less common, can form part of anode mud.
• Te (Tellurium) - Often found in anode mud as it does not dissolve easily.
• Sb (Antimony) - Typically found in anode mud.
• Pb (Lead) - Generally found in anode mud.
• Ru (Ruthenium) - Although rare, can be found in anode mud.

Thus, all listed elements Pb, Sb, Se, Te, Ru, Ag, Au, and Pt are found in anode mud.

Total Number of Main Impurities: 8

This value fits within the specified range of 6 to 6, noting all listed elements are indeed common impurities removed as anode mud.