Sodium metal is not refined by electrolytic reduction of an aqueous solution of Sodium sulphate but Copper is refined by electrolytic reduction of Copper sulfate. Explain these statements in light of the activity of a series of metals.

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Solution

Electrolytic refining
Electrolytic refining of a particular metal can be done by the process called electrolysis. In this process, the crude metal is used as the anode and the pure metal gets deposited at the cathode.
Explanation
Sodium metal is not refined by electrolytic reduction of an aqueous solution of Sodium sulphate. However, copper is refined by electrolytic reduction of Copper sulphate. This is because as soon as Sodium is formed, it tends to react with the water vigorously that is present in the solution, and it cannot further exist in a metallic form. But Copper does not tend to react with water.

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Similar questions

Q. (i) An aqueous solution of sodium chloride is not used for electrolytic reduction of sodium metal. Why?
(ii) For the reduction of a metal oxide, suggest a reducing agent other than carbon.

(a) For the reduction of a metal oxide, suggest a reducing agent other than carbon.
(b) Explain why an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is not used for the electrolytic extraction of sodium metal.

How are metals refined by the electrolytic process? Describe the electrolytic refining of copper with the help of a neat labelled diagram.

Q. (a) For the reduction of metal oxide, suggest a reducing agent other than carbon.
(b) Explain why, an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is not used for the electrolytic extraction of sodium metal.

Give reasons:

1. Copper of high grade purity is obtained almost exclusively by electrolytic refining.

2. Sodium and potassium are generally not refined by electrolytic methods.

a) Name a metal which forms a strong electrolyte on reaction with water.

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