Outline the principles of refining of me | Class 12 Chemistry Chapter General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements NCERT Solutions

Previous / historical NCERT chapter

This chapter belongs to a previous NCERT/CBSE curriculum and is not part of the current 2026-27 chapter list. Removed in 2022-23.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 19:

Outline the principles of refining of metals by the following methods:

(i) Zone refining

(ii) Electrolytic refining

(iii) Vapour phase refining

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 19:

Outline the principles of refining of metals by the following methods:

(i) Zone refining

(ii) Electrolytic refining

(iii) Vapour phase refining

Answer:

(i) Zone refining: This method is based on the principle that impurities are more soluble in the molten state of metal (the melt) than in the solid state. In the process of zone refining, a circular mobile heater is fixed at one end of a rod of impure metal. As the heater moves, the molten zone of the rod also moves along with it. As a result, pure metal crystallizes out of the melt and the impurities pass to the adjacent molten zone. This process is repeated several times, which leads to the segregation of impurities at one end of the rod. Then, the end with the impurities is cut off. Silicon, boron, gallium, indium etc. can be purified by this process.

 

(ii) Electrolytic refining; Electrolytic refining is the process of refining impure metals by using electricity. In this process, impure metal is made the anode and a strip of pure metal is made the cathode. A solution of a soluble salt of the same metal is taken as the electrolyte. When an electric current is passed, metal ions from the electrolyte are deposited at the cathode as pure metal and the impure metal from the anode dissolves into the electrolyte in the form of ions. The impurities present in the impure metal gets collected below the anode. This is known as anode mud.

 

(iii) Vapour phase refining Vapour phase refining is the process of refining metal by converting it into its volatile compound and then, decomposing it to obtain a pure metal. To carry out this process,

(i) the metal should form a volatile compound with an available reagent, and 

(ii) the volatile compound should be easily decomposable so that the metal can be easily recovered. Nickel, zirconium, and titanium are refined using this method.


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  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Comments

  • Robin kumar
  • Jul 07, 2019

Volatile and unstable compound in vapour phase refining


  • Faizy murtaza
  • Jun 22, 2019

Very easy explanation and exact answers.. I am able to understand very easily..


  • Dharneesh R
  • Mar 12, 2019

Easy to understand.thanks saralstudy


  • Arshdeep kaur
  • Jan 22, 2019

Very easy answers,easy to understand.


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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 2 , Question 19: Outline the principles of refining of metals by the following methods: (i) Zone refining (ii) ....

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