1.

Outline the principles of refining metals by the following methods : (i) Zone refining (ii) Electrolytic refining (iii) Vapour phase refining

Answer»

Solution :(i) Zone REFINING : This process is based upon the principle that IMPURITIES are more soluble in the molten state of the metal than in the solid form.
(II) Electrolytic refining : It is USED for less reactive metals like Cu, Ag, Al, etc. In it, anode is made by impure metal and a thin strip of pure metal acts as cathode.
On passing electricity, metal dissolves form anode and pure metal gets deposited at cathode.
At anod `MrarrM^(n+)+n e^(-)`
`{:("Impure"),("Metal"):}`
At cathode `M^(n+)+n e^(-)rarrM` Pure Metal
Impurities settle down below anode in the form of anode mud.
(III) Vapour phase refining : This method is based upon the following facts :
(a) Metal to be refined should form a volatile compound, while impurities do not.
(b) Volatile compound should be easily decomposable so that pure metal can be recovered easily.


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