Which of the following is/are correct statement/s for the Hoopes process for the refining of aluminium? (1) It is an electrolysis process. (2) It consists of three layers in whch the bottom layer is molten, impure aluminium. (3) By using fractional distillation to remove zinc as an impurity. (4) It involves the electronation of aluminiumion at cathode (a) (1) and (2) (b) \((1),(2)\) and \((4)\) (c) (2) and (4) (d) \((1),(3)\) and (4)

Electrolytic refining is an essential part of metal processing, particularly for aluminum. This process involves passing an electric current through a solution containing dissolved aluminum ions, which results in pure aluminum metal. The Hoopes process is a sophisticated method of electrolytic refining designed specifically for aluminum.

In this process, molten aluminum with impurities serves as the anode, and pure aluminum is deposited at the cathode - the negatively charged electrode. The aluminum ions in the solution are attracted to the cathode, where they gain electrons and become aluminum atoms. The impurities, which are less reactive than aluminum, remain in the solution or settle at the bottom as sludge.

The intriguing aspect of the Hoopes process is its use of three layers in the electrolytic cell. These include the bottom layer of impure aluminum, a middle layer of molten salt mixture, and a top layer of pure, molten aluminum. Because of its efficiency and ability to produce high-purity aluminum, the Hoopes process is widely accepted in the industry.

The reduction of aluminum ions at the cathode is a critical step in the Hoopes process and the broader field of electrolytic refining. Reduction is a chemical reaction that involves gaining electrons, and in the context of metal extraction, it refers to the process where metal ions are converted into solid metal.

For aluminum, the reaction can be represented as follows: \[ Al^{3+} + 3e^- \rightarrow Al \]
The process occurs at the cathode, a component of the electrolytic cell where the electric current enters the molten electrolyte. Here, aluminum ions receive three electrons (\(e^-\)) each, transforming them into neutral aluminum atoms. These atoms then coalesce on the cathode, forming a layer of pure aluminum metal.

The purity of aluminum obtained through this process is of great importance in applications where the highest quality aluminum is required, such as in aerospace and electronics. Therefore, the efficiency of the cathodic reduction is crucial for the overall quality and viability of the aluminum produced.

Electrolysis is a versatile and widely used process in metallurgy for extracting and purifying metals. At its core, it involves using an electric current to induce a chemical reaction which otherwise would not occur spontaneously. This electrically-driven process is used not only for aluminum but for other metals like copper and zinc as well.

In metallurgy, the electrolysis process typically takes place in an electrolytic cell, which contains a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode. For the Hoopes process, an electrolytic cell with three layers is used to refine aluminum, with the middle layer acting as the electrolyte and a pool of molten impure aluminum acting as the anode.

The advantages of electrolysis in metallurgy include the production of high-purity metals and the ability to recover metals from low-grade ores. Despite the significant energy requirements, the control over purity and the refinement potential make electrolysis an indispensable tool in modern metallurgy.