Explain how, electrolytic refining purifies a metal?

Solution

Electrolytic refining :
In electrolytic refining method, the impure metal is made to act as anode. A strip of the same metal in pure form is used as cathode. They are put in a suitable electrolytic bath containing soluble salt of the same metal. The more basic metal remains in the solution and the less basic go to the anode mud. This can be explained by using electrode potential.

Anode: M → Mⁿ⁺ + ne^-

Cathode : Mⁿ⁺ + ne^- → M

for example copper is refined using an electrolytic method. Anodes are of impure copper and pure copper strips are taken as cathode. The electrolyte is acidified solution of copper sulphate and the net result of electrolysis is the transfer of copper in pure form from the anode to the cathode:

Anode: Cu → Cu²⁺ + 2 e^-

Cathode: Cu²⁺ + 2 e^- → Cu

Impurities from the blister copper deposit as anode mud which contains antimony, selenium, tellurium, silver, gold and platinum.

Some More Questions From General Principles And Processes of Isolation Of Elements Chapter

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General Principles And Processes Of Isolation Of Elements

Explain how, electrolytic refining purifies a metal?

Some More Questions From General Principles And Processes of Isolation Of Elements Chapter

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