Electropolishing is an electrochemical process similar to, but the reverse of, electroplating. The electropolishing process smooths and streamlines the microscopic surface of a metal object.
Electroplating is the process of plating one metal onto another by hydrolysis, most commonly for decorative purposes or to prevent corrosion of a metal.
Electrowinning, also called electroextraction, is the electrodeposition of metals from their ores that have been put in solution via a process commonly referred to as leaching.
Electrorefining refers to the process of using electrolysis to increase the purity of a metal extracted from its ore (compound or mixture of compounds from which a metal can be extracted commercially). The anode, positive electrode, is the impure metal to be purified.
