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In electrolytic refining procedure, the cathode is made up of:
alloy metal
impure metal
metal salt
pure metal
pure metal
In the electrolytic refining of metals like copper, the cathode is made of a thin strip of pure metal. The anode is made of the impure metal, and a suitable metal salt solution is used as the electrolyte.
In the electrolytic refining of metals like copper, the cathode is made of a thin strip of pure metal. The anode is made of the impure metal, and a suitable metal salt solution is used as the electrolyte.
Think of it like filtering a dirty, mixed-up collection of sand and gold dust: you dissolve the mixture into a 'liquid filter' and then carefully plate only the gold particles onto a clean gold sheet (the pure cathode), leaving the dirt behind.
M(s)тЖТMn++neтИТ тАФ Oxidation at Anode
Mn++neтИТтЖТM(s) тАФ Reduction at Cathode
During electrolysis, the impure metal from the anode dissolves into the electrolyte as ions. Simultaneously, an equivalent amount of pure metal ions from the electrolyte is deposited onto the cathode. Impurities that are more reactive remain in the solution, while less reactive impurities (anode mud) settle at the bottom of the vessel.
The impure metal acts as the anode.
The pure metal acts as the cathode.
The electrolyte is a salt solution of the metal being refined.
Less reactive impurities collect at the bottom as anode mud.
Produces high-purity metal.
Recovers valuable precious metals present as impurities.
High electricity consumption.
Large amount of electrolyte required.
Refining of copper (electrolytic copper).
Refining of zinc, nickel, and silver.
In copper refining, an acidic copper sulphate solution is used as the electrolyte.
Option A is incorrect as alloys are not used as cathodes in this process.
Option B is incorrect as the impure metal forms the anode.
Option C is incorrect as metal salts form the electrolyte solution.
D is correct тАФ In the electrolytic refining of metals, a thin strip of pure metal serves as the cathode.
Always remember that in electrolytic cells (refining/plating), the metal you want to deposit builds up on the cathode (-). Think: 'Cathode collects'. The impure anode (+) is consumed.
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