In electrolytic refining, the impure metal is made the anode, and a thin strip of pure metal is made the cathode. A metal salt solution serves as the electrolyte.
Describe the setup of electrolytic refining and the role of the anode and cathode in the process.
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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.