Explain the following processes used in metallurgy: Electrolytic refining
Explain the following processes used in metallurgy: Electrolytic refining
1. Metallurgy
Metallurgy refers to the area of research that involves the extraction and further utilization of metals from their respective ores. Chemical metallurgy and physical metallurgy are the two main classifications.
2. Electrolytic refining
Electrolytic refining is the process employed to purify metals like copper, zinc, and silver. The electrolysis is carried out in the electrolytic cell containing an anode, and a cathode dipped in an electrolyte. An aqueous solution of the salt of the metal is used as an electrolyte. The cathode is a thin strip of the same pure metal, whereas the anode is made up of impure metal. At the anode, the impure metal is oxidised into cations which pass into the solution.
An example is electrolytic refining of copper where acidified Copper sulphate is used as an electrolyte and pure copper (Cu) gets deposited.
1. Metallurgy
Metallurgy refers to the area of research that involves the extraction and further utilization of metals from their respective ores. Chemical metallurgy and physical metallurgy are the two main classifications.
2. Electrolytic refining
Electrolytic refining is the process employed to purify metals like copper, zinc, and silver. The electrolysis is carried out in the electrolytic cell containing an anode, and a cathode dipped in an electrolyte. An aqueous solution of the salt of the metal is used as an electrolyte. The cathode is a thin strip of the same pure metal, whereas the anode is made up of impure metal. At the anode, the impure metal is oxidised into cations which pass into the solution.
An example is electrolytic refining of copper where acidified Copper sulphate is used as an electrolyte and pure copper (Cu) gets deposited.
