Question

Why is electrolytic reduction preferred?

Answer 1

The addition of electrons is called reduction. In electrolytic reduction the metals are extracted from their molten chlorides or oxides by dissolving or making in molten state using a suitable electrolyte by passing sufficient amounts of current.

Complete step-by-step answer: - In the question it is asked why electrolytic reduction is preferred.
- Generally there are two methods, electrolytic reduction and chemical reduction to purify the highly reactive metals from their ores.
- In electrolytic reduction we have to make a solution of the ore in s suitable solvent.
- After proper dissolution electrodes are going to dipped and have to pass a potential amount of current to make the ores to dissociate into ions.
- The pure form of metals is going to be collected at cathode and the oxygen and chlorine are going to be collected at anode.
- But in chemical reduction after purifying the metals, the metals will have more affinity towards oxygen. So metals will be oxidized very easily in chemical reduction.
- But in electrolytic reduction the oxygen is going to be collected separately at anode, so there is no chance to purify metals to react with the liberated oxygen.
- That is why electrolytic reduction is more preferred than any other metals.

Note: Alkali and alkaline earth metals are generally going to be purified by using electrolytic reduction. In the electrolytic method the source of the potential electrons or current is from outside. So that reduction can be done easily.