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Which technique is widely used for the electrolytic refining of metals such as copper?
Roasting
Calcination
Electrolytic refining
Distillation
Electrolytic refining
Electrolytic refining is the process used to obtain high-purity metals from impure metal blocks. It involves the use of electrolysis to transfer metal ions from an impure anode to a pure cathode through an electrolyte solution.
Electrolytic refining is the process used to obtain high-purity metals from impure metal blocks. It involves the use of electrolysis to transfer metal ions from an impure anode to a pure cathode through an electrolyte solution.
Think of it like a crowded room (impure anode) where only the 'VIP' copper ions are allowed to walk across the room and settle in a clean VIP lounge (pure cathode), leaving all the dust and dirt (impurities) behind on the floor.
PURE: Positive (Anode) Unloads, Reduced (at Cathode) Electrically
Anode:┬аCuтЖТCu2++2eтИТ тАФ Oxidation reaction
Cathode:┬аCu2++2eтИТтЖТCu тАФ Reduction reaction
In the electrolytic refining of copper, an impure copper block acts as the anode, and a thin strip of pure copper acts as the cathode. When direct current is passed through an aqueous solution of acidified copper sulphate (CuSO4тАЛ), the copper from the impure anode dissolves into the electrolyte as Cu2+ ions. These ions then migrate to the cathode, where they gain electrons and deposit as pure copper metal, while impurities settle at the bottom as 'anode mud'.
The electrolyte is generally a mixture of copper sulphate and dilute sulphuric acid.
Less reactive impurities (like gold, silver, platinum) collect below the anode as anode mud.
The pure metal is deposited on the cathode.
This method is highly efficient for refining metals like copper, zinc, and nickel.
Produces high-purity metal (up to 99.99%).
Allows for the recovery of precious metal impurities (anode mud).
High electricity consumption makes it an expensive process.
Requires careful management of chemical waste and toxic electrolyte solutions.
Refining of blister copper to high-purity electrolytic copper.
Extraction and purification of metals used in electronics and electrical wiring.
Roasting (Option A) is used to convert sulphide ores into oxides.
Calcination (Option B) is used for carbonate ores in the absence of air.
Distillation (Option D) is used for volatile metals like zinc or mercury.
C is correct тАФ Electrolytic refining is the standard industrial method for achieving high-purity metals through electrolytic deposition.
Always remember that the 'Anode Mud' contains the most expensive impurities like gold and silver; this is a favorite topic in competitive exams regarding the byproduct of copper refining.