Question

Describe the underlying principle of each of the following processes:

(i) Extraction of Ag from silver ore with a solution of NaCN.

(ii) Electrolytic refining of crude metal.

Answer 1

Hi there,

1. Extraction of silver from silver ore with a solution of NaCN:

The concentrated silver ore is treated with a solution of sodium cyanide to convert silver ore into a solution of Sodium Argento Cyanide. Then Sodium Argento Cyanide treated with Zn dust to get silver precipitates. The pure silver obtained with electrolytic refining.

2. Electrolytic refining of crude metal: copper

Electrolytic refining is a process used to obtain metals such as gold or silver and copper by electrolysis. In electrolytic refining, Anode and cathode electrode dipped in the solution of acidified copper sulfate. Then considered Anode as a thick rod of impure copper and cathode as a thin rod of pure copper. When current passed through the solution, the pure copper ions get attracted towards the cathode.

Hope it helped.