Question 8 of 15beginner💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

In the electrolytic refining of a metal M, what would you take as the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte?

Correct Answer

In the electrolytic refining of a metal M:

  • Anode: A block of impure metal M is made the anode (positively charged electrode)

  • Cathode: A thin strip of pure metal M is made the cathode (negatively charged electrode)

  • Electrolyte: A solution of a salt of metal M (such as copper sulphate for copper refining) is used as the electrolyte

When current is passed, pure metal from the anode dissolves into the electrolyte and an equivalent amount of pure metal gets deposited on the cathode.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 8 | (Page Page 20)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter explains electrolytic refining in Section 3.4.6. Many metals such as copper, zinc, tin, nickel, silver, gold are refined electrolytically. In this process, the impure metal is made the anode and a thin strip of pure metal is made the cathode. A solution of the metal salt is used as an electrolyte. On passing current, pure metal from the anode dissolves into the electrolyte and an equivalent amount of pure metal from the electrolyte is deposited on the cathode.

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