Give an example of zone refining of metals.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Zone Refining**: Zone refining is a technique used to purify metals and semiconductors. It involves melting a small region (zone) of a solid material and moving this molten zone along the length of the material. As the molten zone moves, impurities are carried along and separated from the pure material.

2. **Process Description**: In zone refining, a rod of impure metal is heated in a localized area, creating a molten zone. As this zone moves, the pure metal crystallizes out of the molten state, while the impurities remain in the molten zone. This process can be repeated multiple times to achieve a high level of purity.

3. **Example of Zone Refining**: A common example of zone refining is the purification of silicon or germanium. Both of these materials are crucial in the electronics industry and require high purity for effective performance in semiconductor applications.

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