How are metals refined by the electrolytic methods?

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Solution

Electrolytic refining is a widely used method for refining metals. Metals such as Cu, Ag, Au, Al, etc., are refined by electrolysis. Here, in the electrolytic tank, a thin stripe of pure metal is taken as the cathode and the impure metal, as the anode. The electrolyte is an acidified solution of salt or a complex salt of the metal. When electricity is passed, cations from the anode go into the electrolyte. These cations receive electrons from the cathode and get deposited as neutral metal atoms at the cathode. The impurities are dissolved or precipitated as anode mud. The deposited pure metal at the cathode is scrapped and collected separately. The metal obtained by this method would be 99.9% pure.

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Question 12
Metals are refined by using different methods. Which of the following metals are refined by electrolytic refining?

(i) $A u$
(ii) $C u$
(iii) $N a$
(iv) $K$

(a) (i) and (ii) (b) (i) and (iii)

Outline the principles of refining of metals by the following methods:

(i) Zone refining

(ii) Electrolytic refining

(iii) Vapour phase refining

Out line the principles of refining metals by the following method:

Zone refining

Electrolytic refining

Vapour phase refining

Question 12
Metals are refined by using different methods. Which of the following metals are refined by electrolytic refining?

(i) $A u$
(ii) $C u$
(iii) $N a$
(iv) $K$

(a) (i) and (ii) (b) (i) and (iii)

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