Briefly explain any three methods for the refining of metals.
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Solution
Refining of metals:
The refining of metals can be done by various methods, some of which are described below:
1. Distillation:
The distillation process is applicable for metals with low boiling points such as zinc. The zinc and mercury readily vaporize while heating them, leaving behind their impurities.
The leftover impure metal is heated above its melting point in a furnace and as the impurities get separated, the vapors are reconverted to metals.
2. Electrolytic Refining:
The electrolytic refining method uses different electrochemical properties of the metals as well as the impurities
In this method, the impure metal is the anode while the pure metal is the cathode.
3. Liquidation
Liquidation is applicable for metals with low melting points such as Tin.
In the liquidation process, the impure metal is heated and then it flows on a sloped surface.
The pure metal will collect at the bottom of the slope while the impurities will remain behind.
