Final answer:
The refining processes correctly matched with their respective elements are liquation with tin, zone refining with germanium, and cupellation with silver. Therefore, option a) 3 is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correctly matched refining processes with their respective elements are:
- Liquation - Tin: Liquation is a refining process used to separate metals based on their melting points. Since tin has a low melting point, it can be separated from higher-melting impurities through liquation.
- Zone refining - Germanium: Zone refining is a process used to purify semiconducting materials like Germanium. It involves passing a molten zone through a semiconducting rod, causing impurities to move to one end and leaving behind a purified portion.
- Cupellation - Silver: Cupellation is a refining process commonly used for refining precious metals like silver. It involves heating the metal in a controlled environment where impurities react with a substance called litharge and are separated.
Therefore, option a) 3 is the correct answer.