Question

Write the principle of electrolytic refining.

Answer 1

Hint: Electrolytic refining is a technique to refine the metals using electricity. There will be functioning of two electrodes; cathode, and anode. Electrolysis helps to refine the metals such as copper, zinc, tin, silver, gold etc. Now, the principle of electrolytic refining can be defined.

Complete step by step answer:
-First, let us know about the electrolytic refining. As mentioned it is a process of refining impure metals.
-We have two electrodes, one is anode, and the other one is cathode. The anode consists of impure metal, whereas cathode consists of a pure metal.
-These both electrodes are suspended in a solution composed of double salt of metal termed as electrolyte solution.
-Now, when we will pass an electric current, then the impure metal present at the anode will start dissolving in the form of ions.
-Thus, the metal ions present in the electrolyte solution will start getting deposited at the cathode as a pure metal.
-We can say that there will be some amount of impurities present below the anode, known as anode mud.
Now, in the end we can conclude that electrolytic refining helps us to collect the pure metal.

Note: Don’t get confused while selecting the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution must be of the same metal; it means that electrolyte is the solution of a soluble salt of the same metal. The impurities of elements like gold, platinum are less reactive than the electrolyte solution, so these are not at all affected, and therefore get collected below the anode.