1. Silver articles turn black when exposed to air due to a chemical reaction with sulfur compounds in the environment, forming silver sulfide (Ag2S). This reaction is known as tarnishing. Sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide present in air or substances like rubber and certain foods, react with tRead more

    Silver articles turn black when exposed to air due to a chemical reaction with sulfur compounds in the environment, forming silver sulfide (Ag2S). This reaction is known as tarnishing. Sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide present in air or substances like rubber and certain foods, react with the silver surface, creating a dark layer of silver sulfide on the metal. The silver sulfide coating is black and adheres to the surface, causing the silver to lose its original luster. Polishing or using silver cleaners can remove this tarnish and restore the shine by removing the outer layer of silver sulfide.

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  2. During electrolytic refining, the impure metal is dissolved in a suitable electrolyte, and an electric current is passed through the solution. The metal ions migrate to the cathode, where they are reduced and deposited as pure metal. Meanwhile, impurities, often in the form of other metal ions or anRead more

    During electrolytic refining, the impure metal is dissolved in a suitable electrolyte, and an electric current is passed through the solution. The metal ions migrate to the cathode, where they are reduced and deposited as pure metal. Meanwhile, impurities, often in the form of other metal ions or anions, either remain in the electrolyte or form soluble compounds. These impurities are either collected separately or settle as sludge at the bottom. The refined metal at the cathode is then collected. Electrolytic refining allows for a high degree of purity, as impurities are effectively separated and managed during the process.

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  3. In electrolytic refining, a setup consists of an electrolytic cell with an electrolyte containing the impure metal to be refined. The anode is typically made of the impure metal, and the cathode is a pure metal or a metal rod. When an electric current is applied, metal cations from the impure metalRead more

    In electrolytic refining, a setup consists of an electrolytic cell with an electrolyte containing the impure metal to be refined. The anode is typically made of the impure metal, and the cathode is a pure metal or a metal rod. When an electric current is applied, metal cations from the impure metal at the anode move to the cathode, where they are reduced and deposited as pure metal. Simultaneously, anode dissolution occurs, releasing metal ions and impurities into the electrolyte. The impurities either remain in the electrolyte or form compounds. The process results in the purification of the metal at the cathode.

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  4. The common method for refining impure metals is electrolytic refining. This widely used process is particularly employed for refining metals such as copper, zinc, tin, nickel, silver, and gold. In electrolytic refining, the impure metal is used as the anode, and a pure metal or metal rod serves as tRead more

    The common method for refining impure metals is electrolytic refining. This widely used process is particularly employed for refining metals such as copper, zinc, tin, nickel, silver, and gold. In electrolytic refining, the impure metal is used as the anode, and a pure metal or metal rod serves as the cathode. An electrolyte containing metal ions facilitates the migration of ions from the anode to the cathode. The impurities are either left in the electrolyte or form compounds, while the pure metal is deposited at the cathode. This process allows for the production of high-purity metals with a wide range of applications.

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  5. When copper is exposed to moist carbon dioxide in the air, it undergoes oxidation to form copper carbonate. The reaction involves the copper surface reacting with carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) from the air. Over time, a greenish layer of copper carbonate develops on the copper surface, creatiRead more

    When copper is exposed to moist carbon dioxide in the air, it undergoes oxidation to form copper carbonate. The reaction involves the copper surface reacting with carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) from the air. Over time, a greenish layer of copper carbonate develops on the copper surface, creating the characteristic patina. This green substance is often identified as basic copper carbonate, and its chemical formula is typically a combination of copper(II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) and copper(II) carbonate (CuCO₃). The patina acts as a protective layer, preventing further corrosion and giving aged copper items, such as statues or roofs, their distinctive appearance.

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