Question

In the electrolytic refining of zinc

• A. graphite is at the anode.
• B. the metal ion gets reduced at the anode.
• C. acidified zinc sulfate is the electrolyte.
• D. the impure metal is at the cathode.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

acidified zinc sulfate is the electrolyte.

The explanation for the correct option:

Option (C): Acidified Zinc Sulfate is the electrolyte

1. Electrolytic refining is a method of extracting and purifying metals obtained through refining processes.
2. The anode would be a rod of impure metal M, while the cathode would be a narrow strip of pure metal M. As an electrolyte, a water-soluble metal M salt would be utilized. When current is conducted through the electrolyte, the impure metal from the anode dissolves in the electrolyte and is replaced by an equal amount of pure metal from the electrolyte on the cathode.
3. The electrolyte will be of the metal whose electrolytic refining has to be done i.e. zinc is the metal and zinc sulfate is the electrolyte.
4. Hence it is the correct option.

The explanation for the incorrect option(s):

Option (A): Graphite is at the anode

1. In electrolytic refining, at the anode, we use a rod of impure metal whose electrorefining is to be done.
2. Here zinc is used as the metal.
3. Hence it is an incorrect option.

Option (B): the metal ion gets reduced at the anode

1. At the anode, the metal ion gets oxidized by losing its electron.
2. Hence it is an incorrect option.

Option (D): the impure metal is at the cathode

1. The pure metal is taken on the cathode while the impure is on the anode.
2. Because the impure metal ion gets oxidized in the anode.
3. Hence it is an incorrect option.

Therefore, in electrolytic refining of zinc acidified zinc sulfate is used as an electrolyte.