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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3mt029

Which statement about the electrolytic refining of impure copper in acidified solution is correct?

  1. AZinc and iron are deposited on the cathode along with copper
  2. BImpure copper is the cathode and pure copper is the anode
  3. CSilver and gold impurities collect below the anode as anode mud, while zinc and iron dissolve and stay in solution
  4. DSilver and gold dissolve and are deposited on the cathode with copper

Answer: C

The impure copper rod is the anode and a thin sheet of pure copper is the cathode. At the anode copper, and the more electropositive impurities Zn and Fe, are oxidised into solution. Less reactive metals such as Ag and Au cannot be oxidised at this potential and fall as anode mud. Only is discharged at the cathode.
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