Metals can be highly purified using electrolysis. Which equation best reflects the overall process of purifying copper?
A. Cu^+2(aq)cathode ---> Cu^+2(aq)anode
B. Cu^+2(aq)anode ---> Cu^+2(aq)cathode
C. Cu(s)cathode ---> Cu(s)anode
D. Cu(s)anode ---> Cu(s)cathode

A. Cu^+2(aq)cathode ---> Cu^+2(aq)anode

Explanation:

Electrolysis is the process in which current is passed through a solution thereby causing a chemical change at the anode and cathode. Copper is being purified using electrolysis by using impure copper at the anode and pure copper at the cathode. This pure and impure copper are placed in a copper(ii)sulfate electrolyte solution and dc current is made to pass through it.  The resulting changes at the anode and cathode are given by the equation:

cathode: Cu²⁺  + 2e⁻    ⇒     Cu

anode:    Cu     ⇒       Cu²⁺  + 2e⁻