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Which of the following is the method used for refining metals such as copper, zinc and silver?
Distillation
Extraction
Electrolytic refining
Smelting
Electrolytic refining
Electrolytic refining is the most common industrial method used to obtain metals of high purity from crude metals. It involves the use of an electrolytic cell where the impure metal acts as the anode and a pure strip of the metal acts as the cathode.
Electrolytic refining is the most common industrial method used to obtain metals of high purity from crude metals. It involves the use of an electrolytic cell where the impure metal acts as the anode and a pure strip of the metal acts as the cathode.
Think of it like a crowded bus; only the specific 'ticket holders' (pure metal ions) are allowed to get off at the stop (cathode) and join the clean line, while the 'troublemakers' (impurities) are left behind.
ACE: Anode-Crude, Electrolyte-solution, Cathode-Electropure
M(s)тАЛтЖТM(aq)n+тАЛ+neтИТ тАФ Oxidation at Anode
M(aq)n+тАЛ+neтИТтЖТM(s)тАЛ тАФ Reduction at Cathode
During electrolysis, impure metal from the anode dissolves into the electrolyte as ions: MтЖТMn++neтИТ. Simultaneously, an equivalent amount of pure metal from the electrolyte deposits on the cathode: Mn++neтИТтЖТM. Impurities like noble metals settle at the bottom of the anode as 'anode mud'.
The electrolyte is usually an aqueous solution of a salt of the metal being refined.
Copper, zinc, and silver are typically refined using this technique to achieve 99.99% purity.
Less reactive impurities settle as anode mud, while more reactive impurities remain in the solution.
High purity levels achieved
Recovery of valuable noble metal impurities (e.g., Gold, Silver) from anode mud
Energy-intensive process
Expensive due to electricity consumption
Refining of blister copper
Purification of silver and gold extracted from ores
For copper refining, acidified copper sulfate (CuSO4тАЛ+H2тАЛSO4тАЛ) is used as the electrolyte.
Option A (Distillation) is used for low boiling point metals like Zinc and Mercury. Option B (Extraction) is a broad term for getting metals from ores. Option D (Smelting) is a reduction process using heat and a reducing agent.
C is correct тАФ Electrolytic refining utilizes electricity to transfer metal ions from an impure anode to a pure cathode, ensuring high-purity metal deposition.
Always remember: Oxidation occurs at the Anode (Anode/Oxidation both start with vowels) and Reduction occurs at the Cathode (Cathode/Reduction both start with consonants).
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