A sample of silver is to be purified by electrorefining. This will separate the

Question

A sample of silver is to be purified by
electrorefining. This will separate
the silver from an impurity of gold.
The impure silver is made into an
electrode. Which of the following is
the best way to set up the
electrolytic cell?
(A) an impure silver cathode and an
inert anode
(B) an impure silver cathode and a
a pure gold anode
(C) A pure silver cathode with an
impure silver anode
(D) A pure gold cathode with an
impure silver anode
(E) An impure silver cathode with a
pure silver anode

Could you please explain why?

Explanation / Answer

The answer is option C i.e.A pure silver cathoode with an impure silver anode.

Because the silver anode consist of unrefined impure silver, as the current passes through the acidic electrolyte the anode is corroded into the solution so that the electroplating process deposits refined pure silver onto the cathode.

Hope this will help.

Thank you

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