Q1: Which of the following metals is not subjected to electrolytic refinning/purification?

ANS:C - Tin

Tin is a metallic chemical element with the symbol Sn and atomic number 50. It is a silvery-white metal that is malleable, ductile, and relatively soft, making it easy to work with. Tin has been used by humans for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations. Tin is typically obtained from its mineral ore, cassiterite, which is primarily composed of tin dioxide (SnO2). The extraction process involves crushing the ore and then concentrating the tin-bearing minerals through a series of gravity separation methods. Once extracted, tin is commonly used in various applications due to its desirable properties:

1. Corrosion Resistance: Tin has excellent corrosion resistance, making it valuable for coating other metals through a process called tin plating or tinning. Tin-plated steel is widely used in the manufacture of food cans to prevent corrosion and contamination of food products.
2. Soldering: Tin is a key component of solder, a fusible metal alloy used to join electronic components and metalwork together. Tin-based solders have low melting points, making them suitable for delicate electronic applications.
3. Alloys: Tin is often alloyed with other metals to improve their properties. For example, bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and historical significance in the production of weapons, tools, and sculptures.
4. Chemical Applications: Tin compounds are used in various chemical applications, such as catalysts, stabilizers in PVC plastics, and as a component in glass coatings.

In terms of purification, tin is typically obtained from its ore in a relatively pure form, and further purification methods such as electrolytic refining are not commonly required for commercial tin production. However, tin can be refined through processes like liquation and distillation to remove impurities and produce high-purity tin for specialized applications. Overall, tin is a versatile metal with a wide range of uses, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, electronics, construction, and chemicals.