In the electrolytic refining of a metal M, what would you take as the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte?
Solution 1
In the electrolytic refining of a metal M:
Anode → Impure metal M
Cathode → Thin strip of pure metal M
Electrolyte → Solution of salt of the metal M
Solution 2
In electrolytic refining of a metal, the electrolytic refining tank consists of:
Anode: A bulky piece of impure metal (attached to positive terminal)
Cathode: A thin layer of pure metal (attached to negative terminal)
Electrolyte: Salt solution of the metal, which is being refined, is taken as the electrolytic solution or electrolyte.
When electricity is passed through the cell, impure metal from the anode melts and goes into the electrolyte. The pure metal from the electrolyte moves to the cathode and gets deposited there as pure metal. The impurities that are soluble dissolve in electrolyte and insoluble impurities deposit under anode as anode mud.
