Chemistry - Metallurgy Question with Solution | TestHub

During refining, the impure silver acts as the anode, and pure silver deposits onto the cathode. Metals like zinc ($Zn$) and copper ($Cu$) are more electropositive (more reactive) than silver ($Ag$). Therefore, $Zn$ and $Cu$ oxidize easily, enter the electrolytic solution as ions, and remain dissolved in it. Metals like gold ($Au$) are less electropositive (less reactive) than silver, so they do not oxidize and instead settle down at the bottom of the tank underneath the anode as anode mud.