General Principles and Processes of

Isolation of Elements

CHAPTER – 6

General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements

Earth crust is a source of many nutrients. Of these elements, The vessels which are made up of stainless steel; the body of
70% are metal. Aluminium is the most abundant crust in the ships made up of metals.
world and steel comes second. The percentage of variants in
The batteries, vehicles, engines are made up of metals.
the globe is:
O - 49%, Si-26%, Al-7.5%, Fe-4.2%, Ca-3.2%, Na-2.4%, K- Pure metals can be extracted from ores by some chemical
2.3%, Mg-2.3%, H-1% reactions.
Metals occur in two forms (i) native or (ii) composite forms,
Native State
depending on their chemical regeneration.
Elements which have low chemical reactivity or noble metals
Metals have lot of importance in our day to day life.
having least electropositive character are not attacked by
Uses of metals:- oxygen, moisture and CO2 of the air. These elements,
The buildings around us are made up of steel, iron; wires that therefore, occur in the Free State or in the native state, e.g.,
carry current are made up of metals. Au, Ag, Pt, S, O, N, noble gases, etc.
The bridges, tall towers are all made up of metals.

Combined State
Highly reactive elements such as F, CI, Na, K, etc., occur in nature combined form as their compounds such as oxides, carbonates
sulphides, halides, etc.
Hydrogen is the only non-metal which exists in oxidised form only.
Minerals: are inorganic catalysts that function as regulators of
Minerals are those in which individual crystals are composed metabolic activities in the body.
of unit cells or basic unit layers of two or more types. Minerals
Ores:
Most metals are too reactive to exist on their own in the ground. Instead, they exist combined with other elements as compounds
called ores. Ores are raw materials for making metals.
Difference between ores and minerals
Ores Minerals
Ores are usually used to extract metals economically. A large All the naturally occurring substances that are present in the
number of ores are present. earth’s crust are known as Minerals.
All ores are minerals. All Minerals are not ores.
Ores are mineral deposits. Minerals are native forms in which metals exist.

Gangue: Hydraulic washing (Levigation separation or Gravity) -

Gangue can be defined as impurities in the form of sand, rock This method is based on the weight difference between the
or any other material surrounding a mineral in a metal gangue and the metal. Generally, iron ore particles are
reservoir. This is a common occurrence when it comes to heavier than impurities. So we use the principle of division of
mining. gravity to separate the two.
The extraction and separation of metals includes the Here the crushed metal is mixed with a flowing stream of
following major steps: rising water. Simple gangue particles float in flowing water.
• Concentration of the ore, Heavy metal particles settle to the ground and can be easily
• Isolation of metal its concentrated ore, once separated. We use this method for ores containing lead and
• Metal cleaning. tin as these are very heavy.
Metallurgy:
The extraction of metals from their ores and then refining the
metal for their use is known as metallurgy.
Metallurgy steps:
• Iron fullness.
• The conversion of concentrated ore into oxide.
• Reduction of oxide into iron.
• Metal refining.
Removal of unwanted earth and silicious impurities in the ore
is called ore-dressing or ore concentrations and the process
used to concentrate the metal is called the gain process.
Concentration of ore is achieved by: Electromagnetic separation - This involves the use of
1 Physical methods magnetic properties of either the ore or the gangue to
2 Chemical methods separate them. The ore is first ground into fine pieces and
then passed on a conveyor belt passing over a magnetic roller.
Physical methods are:
The magnetic ore remains on the belt and the gangue falls off
Hand picking - In the event that the stain is very different
the belt.
from the ores so that the eye of the flesh separates, this may
Example: Fe (CrO2)2 (Chromite) is a magnetic field, separated
be separated by hand selection.
from the non-magnetic silicious gangue.
 Roasting
It is a process commonly performed on sulphide ores under
the influence of heat and air. Once roasted, sulphide ore is
heated to a temperature below the melting point. For
example:

Difference between calcination and roasting

Calcination Roasting
Froth floating process - This method is mainly used to
Calcination is a process in
remove gangue from sulphide ores. The ore is powdered and Roasting involves the
which ore is heated in the
a suspension is created in the water. To this are added, heating of ore lower than its
absence of air or air might
Collectors and Froth Stabilizers. Collectors (pine oils, fatty melting point in the
be supplied in a limited
acids etc) increase the non-wettability of the metal part of the presence of air or oxygen.
quantity
ore and allows it to form a froth. Froth Stabilizers (cresols,
Calcination involves the
aniline etc) sustain the froth. The oil wets the metal and the Roasting is carried out
thermal decomposition of
water wets the gangue. Paddles and air constantly stir up the mostly for sulfide minerals.
carbonate ores.
suspension to create the froth. This frothy metal is skimmed
off the top and dried, to recover the metal. During calcination,
Roasting does not involve
moisture is driven out
dehydrating an ore.
from an ore.
During roasting, large
Carbon dioxide is given out amounts of toxic, metallic
during calcination and acidic compounds are
released.

Leaching
It is a chemical process, in which the metal is treated with a
suitable reagent to dissolve the metal.

Soluble ore or mineral can be separated from the insoluble

Chemical methods: gangue. After the ore is separated, it can be recovered by
Chemical methods include calcination, roasting and leaching several chemical methods.
the metal.
Leaching is used when the ore is soluble in a solvent. The
Calcination powdered ore is dissolved in a chemical, usually a strong
It is a chemical method of separating carbonate or hydrated solution of NaOH. The chemical solution dissolves the metal
oxide ores. in the ore and it can be extracted and separated from the
Carbonate ore produces carbon dioxide under heat exposure. gangue by extracting the chemical solution. Extraction of the
Aluminium metal from Bauxite ore is done using this process.

Hydrated oxide ore releases water under heat exposure.

Other examples ΔG value is negative in a metallurgical process; the reaction
In the metallurgy of silver and that of gold, the respective will only proceed in the forward direction. At this time, the
metal is leached with a dilute solution of NaCN or KCN in the ΔH is always positive and ΔS is also positive. And, at a very
presence of air (for O2) from which the metal is obtained later high temperature, TΔS > ΔH.
by replacement:
When the ΔG of a reaction is positive, it can be made
4M(s) + 8CN- (aq) + 2H2O (aq) + O2 (g) → 4[M (CN)2] - (aq) + 4OH- spontaneous by coupling it with another reaction that has a
(aq) large ΔG negative value. That way, the sum of two ΔG of the
coupled reactions becomes negative.
(M= Ag or Au)
For example, the reduction of metal oxides to metal using a
2[M (CN)2]- (aq)] + Zn(s) → [Zn (CN)4]2- (aq) + 2M(s)
reducing agent is the subtraction of two half equations. The
Reduction of oxides to metals: decomposition of Fe2O3 to Fe is not a spontaneous reaction
The process of converting iron oxides into metals is called a and has a (ΔG0 value of +1487KJ/mol. However, the burning
reduction. To reduce, different types of reducing agents are of CO in the presence of oxygen is spontaneous (ΔG0
used depending on the re-processing of ores. =−514.4KJ/mol).
OR 2Fe2O3(s) → 4Fe + 3O2 ……(1)
2CO(g)+O2(g) → 2CO2(g) …(2)
Oxide reduction can be achieved by removing the lattice
(ΔG0 = –514.4KJ/mol)
oxygen or by dissolving the reductant in the lattice. Oxygen
lattice removal can be achieved by many different mitigation On multiplying (2) by 3
agents. Common ones include hydrogen, carbon monoxide, 6CO+3O2 → 6CO2 ……(3)
ammonia gas, and hydrocarbons. ΔG0 =−1543.2KJ/mol
Thermodynamic Principles of Metallurgy: Adding equation (3) with (1):
2Fe2O3 +6CO → 4Fe + 6CO2
Metallurgy is an important process of extraction of metals
ΔG0 =−56.2KJ/mol
from their ores, and it is based upon various principles of
chemistry. Several steps are followed to make the processes With this, the ΔG∘ value has become negative, making the
efficient and effective at the end of each process. Not only are reaction feasible as well as spontaneous. The feasibility of the
the purity of the metals extracted at the end of each process thermal reduction of ores can be predicted by drawing a plot
important, but it is equally essential to ensure the extraction of Gibbs energy and temperature for the reactions.
process by itself does not take more than the necessary time, Ellingham Diagram
effort, or any other chemical incompatibilities. Hence, the The Ellingham diagram shows the relationship between
principles are very significant, and while there are many, the temperature and stability of a combination. It basically
upmost amongst these principles is the thermodynamic represents the image of the Gibbs Energy Flow.
principles which are applied to the metallurgical processes to
make them much more efficient. The idea is to apply the
thermodynamic principles of metallurgy and the basic
concepts of thermodynamics, such as Gibb’s free energy, in
the metallurgical transformations.
Application of Thermodynamic Principles in
Metallurgical Process
The concept of thermodynamics suggests that the Gibbs free
energy change for a particular process at a particular
temperature is given by:
ΔG=ΔH–TΔS
Here, the ΔH is enthalpy change, ΔS is entropy change and ΔG
is the free energy change.
The change for any reaction could be explained with the help
of the reaction:
ΔG0=–RT In K Some important features of Ellingham Diagram
Where, K is the equilibrium constant of that particular • Here ΔG is organized according to temperature. The curve
reaction at temperature, T. When the ΔG is negative, it implies slope is entropy and the intercept represents the enthalpy.
that the K is positive. This means the reaction is proceeding • As you know ΔH (enthalpy) is not affected by temperature
in the forward direction. • Even entropy ΔS is not affected by temperature. However,
Hence, accordingly, when: there is a condition here that class modification should not
occur.
• We will set the temperature at Y-axis and ΔG at X-axis Reactions in the Blast furnace at 500 – 800 K, In the upper
• The curved irons at the bottom of the drawing reduce the parts with lower temperatures,
metal found at the top to the top 2Fe2O3 + CO → 2Fe3O4 + CO2
Fe3O4 + 4CO → 3Fe + 4CO2
Limitations of Ellingham Diagram
Fe2O3 + CO → 2FeO + CO2
• It does not consider reaction kinetics. At 900 – 1500 K, In the lower sections of the furnace,
• Also, it does not provide complete information about C + CO2 → 2CO
oxides and their composition. Give an example of more FeO + CO → Fe + CO2
than one possible oxide.
The limestone also decomposes to CaO which removes the
Iron oxide reduction in blast furnace: silicate impurity of the ore in the form of Slag. It can be easily
Extraction of iron from its ore is the third and the penultimate separated out of molten iron. The iron manufactured in Blast
process in the Metallurgy. The extraction of metals and its Furnaces contain about 3 – 4 % of Carbon and smaller
isolation occurs over a few major steps: quantities of many other impurities such as sulphur, Silicon,
• Concentration of Ore etc. This is called Pig Iron. It is a hard but brittle metal and the
• Extraction of metal from concentrated Ore impurities severely hamper its strength. Carbon seems to
• Purification of the metal play a significant role in influencing the brittleness and
Extraction: It’s a long process which begins with hardness balance in iron. To further reduce the carbon
Concentration through calcination roasting. Concentration content of pig iron, it is melted again with scraps of iron and
removes the water and other volatile impurities such as coke and subjected to the blast of hot air. This kind of iron is
sulphur and carbonates. This concentrated ore is mixed with called Cast Iron and has a slightly lower carbon content 2 – 3
limestone (CaCO3) and Coke and fed into the blast furnace %. This is even harder than pig iron.
from the top. It is in the blast furnace that extraction of iron Types of metal
occurs. The extraction of iron from its ore is a long and Pig iron:
subdued process that helps in separating the useful Crude iron that is the direct product of the blast furnace and
components from the waste materials such as slag. is refined to produce steel, wrought iron, or ingot iron.
The purpose of a Blast Furnace is to reduce the concentrated Cast Iron:
ore chemically to its liquid metal state. A blast furnace is a Cast iron, an alloy of iron that contains 2 to 4 percent carbon,
gigantic, steel stack lined with refractory brick where the along with varying amounts of silicon and manganese and
concentrated iron ore, coke, and limestone are dumped from traces of impurities such as sulphur and phosphorus. It is
the top, and a blast of hot air is blown into the bottom. All the made by reducing iron ore in a blast furnace.
three ingredients are crushed into small round pieces and
mixed and put on a hopper which controls the input. Wrought iron:
Wrought iron is the purest form of iron available
Hot air is blown from the bottom and coke it burned to yield commercially available and is prepared from cast iron by
temperatures up to about 2200K. Burning coke provides the heating cast iron in a furnace lined with Haematite (Fe2O3).
majority of the heat required for this process. At such high The Haematite reacts with Carbon in the cast iron to give pure
temperatures, Coke reacts with the oxygen in the hot air to iron and carbon monoxide gas which escapes.
form Carbon Monoxide (CO). The CO and heat now move
upwards and meet the raw material running down from the Fe2O3 + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO
top. The temperature in the upper parts of the Blast Furnace Limestone is then added as flux, and it creates the slag.
is considerably lower than the 2200K at the bottom. In this Impurities such as S, Si pass into the slag and the slag later
part, Haematite (Fe2O3) and Magnetite (Fe3O4) are reduced to can be easily separated to yield pure iron.
Ferrous Oxide (FeO). Extraction of copper from cuprous oxide [copper [I]
oxide]
Considering the Graph (1) the Cu2O line is at the top.
So to reduce oxide ores of copper directly to the metal by
heating with coke (both the lines of C, CO and C, CO2 are at
much lower positions in the graph particularly after 500 –
600K).
Most of the ores are sulphide and some may also contain iron.
The sulphide ores are roasted/smelted to give oxides:
2Cu2S + 3O2 → 2Cu2O + 2SO2
The oxide can then be easily reduced to metallic copper using
coke:
Cu2O + C → 2 Cu + CO
In actual process, the ore is heated in a reverberatory furnace Cupellation is a refining process in metallurgy where metals
after mixing with silica. In the furnace, iron oxide ‘slags of’ as or metallic metals are subjected to very high temperatures
iron silicate and copper is produced in the form of copper and have been regulated to separate important metals, such
matte. This contains Cu2S and FeS. as gold and silver, basic metals, such as lead, copper, zinc,
FeO + SiO2 → FeSiO3 (Slag) arsenic, antimony, or bismuth, which is present in stone.
Copper matte is then charged into silica lined convertor. Chemical methods:
Poling:
Some silica is also added and hot air blast is blown to convert
A metallurgical method used for cleaning copper containing
the remaining
copper oxide as impurities and for tin refining containing tin
FeS2, FeO and Cu2S/Cu2O to the metallic copper. oxide as impurities. Contaminated metal, usually in the form
Following reactions take place: of molten copper, is placed in the anode furnace in two stages
2FeS + 3O2 → 2FeO + 2SO2 of refining.
FeO + SiO2 → FeSiO3 (6.38) Electro-refining:
2Cu2S + 3O2 → 2Cu2O + 2SO2 In this method the impure metal is made to act as anode. A
2Cu2O + Cu2S → 6Cu + SO2 strip of the same metal in pure form is used as cathode.
The solidified copper obtained has blistered appearance due
They are put in a suitable electrolytic bath containing soluble
to the evolution of SO2 and so it is called blister copper.
salt of the same metal.
Extraction of Zinc from Zinc Oxide
The more basic metal remains in the solution and the less
The reduction of zinc oxide is done using coke. The
basic ones go to the anode mud.
temperature in this case is higher than that in case of copper.
The reactions are:
For the purpose of heating, the oxide is made into brickettes
Anode: M → Mn+ + ne-
with coke and clay.
Cathode: Mn+ + ne- → M
ZnO + C àZn + CO (where coke is the catalyst, and temperature This method is used to refine Copper, Zinc etc.
is 673 K) In case of copper refining-
Anodes are of impure copper and pure copper strips are
The metal is distilled off and collected by rapid chilling.
taken as cathode.
Electrolytic Reduction (Hall-Heroult process) - The electrolyte is acidified solution of copper sulphate and
The Hall – Héroult process is a major industrial process for the net result of electrolysis is the transfer of copper in pure
dissolving aluminium. It involves dissolving aluminium oxide form from the anode to the cathode:
(alumina) (commonly found in bauxite, large aluminium ore, Anode: Cu → Cu2+ + 2 e–
by Bayer process) in molten cryolite, and electrolyzing Cathode: Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu
insertion in a molten salt bath, usually in a purpose-built cell. Impurities from the blister copper deposit as anode mud
which contains antimony, selenium, tellurium, silver, gold
Extraction: The process used to extract metals from the free
and platinum; recovery of these elements may meet the cost
state of a concentrated ore is called extraction.
of refining.
Refining or Purification of crude metals
A metal extracted by any method is usually contaminated
with some impurity.
For obtaining metals of high purity, several techniques are
used depending upon the differences in properties of the
metal and the impurity.
Physical methods
Liquation:
It is a method of separating parts of ore, iron, or alloy by
melting the part. Previously it was used to extract antimony
minerals from stone and to separate silver and copper using
lead as a solvent. It is still used for some metal cleaning.
Distillation: Zone-refining:
This method is based on the principle that the impurities are
This is helpful for low boiling metals such as Zn, Hg. Dirty
more soluble in the molten form as compared to the solid
liquid metal evaporates to obtain a pure metal like distillate.
state of the metal.
Cupellation:
A circular mobile heater is fixed at one end of a rod of the
ZrI4 → Zr + 2I2
impure metal.
(Pure)
The molten zone moves along with the heater which is moved
Ti + 2I2 → TiI4 (g)
forward. As the heater moves forward, the pure metal
(Impure)
crystallises out of the melt and the impurities pass on into the
adjacent molten zone. TiI4 → Ti + 2I2
The process is repeated several times and the heater is moved (Pure)
in the same direction. At one end, impurities get Mond's process:
concentrated. Ludwig Mond invented the Mond process in the year 1890.
This technique is also known as the carbonyl process because
This end is cut off. This method is very useful for producing
it involves the rapid and reversible reaction of carbon
semiconductor and other metals of very high purity, e.g.,
monoxide with nickel to produce nickel tetracarbonyl. Nickel
germanium, silicon, boron, gallium and indium.
is extracted and purified using this method.
Nickel oxides are converted to high-purity nickel metal in this
procedure.
Three phases are included in the Mond nickel extraction
process:
In the first step, syngas (a combination of hydrogen and
carbon monoxide gas) is mixed with nickel oxide at 200°C,
along with iron and cobalt impurities.
NiO(s) + H2(g) → Ni(s) + H2O (g)
Vapour phase refining: In the next process, the carbon monoxide reacts with impure
The metal is converted into its volatile compound and nickel to form nickel tetracarbonyl, the impurities will remain
collected elsewhere. It is then decomposed to give pure metal. as solids.
There are 2 requirements for this method:- Ni(s) + 4CO-(g) → Ni(CO)4(g)
The metal should form a volatile compound with an available
Then the mixture of syngas and nickel carbonyl is heated.
reagent,
This results in the decompositions back to carbon monoxide
The volatile compound should be easily decomposable, so
and nickel.
that the recovery is easy.
Ni(CO)4-(g) → Ni(s) + 4CO(g)
Example
Pure Nickel is collected, and carbon monoxide is recycled to
Mond Process for Refining Nickel and van continue the process.
Arkel Method for Refining Zirconium or As this process can be used to extract and purify Nickel.
Titanium.

Chromatographic Method:
Van-Arkel Method: The principle of this method is that different components of a
The Van Arkel method is a metallurgical method used to mixture are differently adsorbed on an adsorbent. The
refine zirconium and titanium metal. The main impurities mixture is put in a liquid or gaseous medium which is moved
that must be removed from this refinery are oxygen and through the adsorbent.
nitrogen. These impurities are removed by heating the
Different components are adsorbed at different levels on the
zirconium or titanium iron in an extracted vessel containing
column.
iodine.
Zr (s) 2I2 → ZrI4 The adsorbed components are removed or eluted by using
(Impure) suitable solvents.
 the moving medium, the chromatographic method is given
Depending upon the physical state of the moving medium and
the name.
the adsorbent material and also on the process of passage of
The Al2O3 is prepared in a glass tube and the moving medium containing a solution of the components is in liquid form. This is
an example of column chromatography.
There are several chromatographic techniques such as paper chromatography, column chromatography, gas chromatography,
etc.

Uses of Aluminium, zinc, copper and iron

Aluminium Zinc dust is used as a reducing agent in the manufacture of
Aluminium foils are used as wrappers for chocolates. dye-stuffs, paints, etc.
The fine dust of the metal is used in paints and lacquers. Iron
Aluminium, being highly reactive, is also used in the • Cast iron, which is the most important form of iron, is
extraction of chromium and manganese from their oxides.
Wires of aluminium are used as electricity conductors. used for casting stoves, railway sleepers, gutter pipes,
toys, etc. It is used in the manufacture of wrought iron
Alloys containing aluminium, being light, are very useful.
and steel.
Copper
Copper is used for making wires used in electrical industry • Wrought iron is used in making anchors, wires, bolts,
and for water and steam pipes.
chains and agricultural implements.
It is also used in several alloys that are rather tougher than
• Steel finds a number of uses. Alloy steel is obtained when
the metal itself, e.g., brass (with zinc), bronze (with tin) and
coinage alloy (with nickel). other metals are added to it.
Zinc • Nickel steel is used for making cables, automobiles and
Zinc is used for galvanising iron. It is also used in large
aeroplane parts, pendulum, measuring tapes, chrome
quantities in batteries, as a constituent of many alloys, e.g.,
steel for cutting tools and crushing machines, and
brass, (Cu 60%, Zn 40%) and German silver (Cu 25-30%, Zn
stainless steel for cycles, automobiles, utensils, pens, etc.
25-30%, Ni 40–50%).
Metals are required for a variety of purposes. For this, we displayed in plots of ΔG0 vs T (Ellingham diagram) for such
need their extraction from the minerals in which they are oxidation/reduction reactions at different temperatures. The
present and from which their extraction is commercially concept of electrode potential is useful in the isolation of
[Link] minerals are known as ores. Ores of the metal metals (e.g., Al, Ag, Au) where the sum of the two redox
are associated with many impurities. Removal of these couples is +ve so that the Gibbs energy change is negative.
impurities to certain extent is achieved in concentration The metals obtained by usual methods still contain minor
steps. The concentrated ore is then treated chemically for impurities. Getting pure metals require refining. Refining
obtaining the metal. Usually the metal compounds (e.g., process depends upon the differences in properties of the
oxides, sulphides) are reduced to the metal. The reducing metal and the impurities. Extraction of aluminium is usually
agents used are carbon, CO or even some metals. In these carried out from its bauxite ore by leaching it with NaOH.
reduction processes, the thermodynamic and Sodium aluminate, thus formed, is separated and then
electrochemical concepts are given due consideration. The neutralised to give back the hydrated oxide, which is then
metal oxide reacts with a reducing agent; the oxide is reduced electrolysed using cryolite as a flux. Extraction of iron is done
to the metal and the reducing agent is oxidised. In the two by reduction of its oxide ore in blast furnace. Copper is
reactions, the net Gibbs energy change is negative, which extracted by smelting and heating in a reverberatory furnace.
becomes more negative on raising the temperature. Extraction of zinc from zinc oxides is done using coke. Several
Conversion of the physical states from solid to liquid or to gas, methods are employed in refining the metal. Metals, in
and formation of gaseous states favours decrease in the Gibbs general, are very widely used and have contributed
energy for the entire system. This concept is graphically significantly in the development of a variety of industries.

Bauxite, Al2O3. x H2O2. Electrolysis of Al2O3 dissolved For the extraction, a good source of
Aluminium
Cryolite, Na3AlF in molten Na3AlF6 electricity is required.
Iron Haematite, Fe2O3 Reduction of the oxide with CO Temperature approaching 2170 K is
Magnetite, Fe3O4 and coke in Blast furnace required.
Copper Copper pyrites, CuFeS2. Roasting of sulphide partially and It is self-reduction in a specially designed
Copper glance, Cu2S. reduction converter. The reduction takes place
Malachite, [Link](OH)2 . easily. Sulphuric acid leaching is also used
Cuprite, Cu2O in hydrometallurgy from low grade ores.
zinc . Zinc blende or Sphalerite, Roasting followed by reduction The metal may be purified by fractional
ZnS with coke distillation
Calamine, ZnCO3
Zincite, ZnO
 QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
Q1. The salt which is least likely to be found in minerals is Q13. During smelting an additional substance is added
(a) Chloride (b) Sulphate which combines with impurities to form a fusible mass.
(c) Sulphide (d) Nitrate The additional substance is called
(a) Flux (b) Slag
Q2. Which of the following metals is leached by Cyanide
(c) Gangue (d) Ore.
process?
(a) Ag (b) Na Q14. Which of the following metals is obtained by leaching
(c) Al (d) Cu the ore with dilute cyanide solution?
(a) Silver (b) Titanium
Q3. In the equation 4 M + 8 CN- + 2H2O + O2 → 4 [M(CN) 2]-
(c) Vanadium (d) Zinc
+ 4OH-, the metal M is
(a) Copper (b) Iron Q15. Zone-refining process has been employed for
(c) Gold (d) Zinc preparing ultrapure samples of
(a) Cu (b) Zn
Q4. Pyrolusite is a/an
(c) Ge (d) Ag
(a) Oxide ore (b) Sulphide ore
(c) Carbide ore (d) not an ore. Q16. The process of isolation of metals by dissolving the ore
in a suitable chemical reagent following by
Q5. Which of the following metals is sometimes found
precipitation of the metal by a more electropositive
native in nature?
metal is called
(a) Aluminium (b) Copper
(a) Electrometallurgy (b) Hydrometallurgy
(c) Iron (d) Magnesium
(c) Electro-refusing (d) Zone-refining
Q6. The method of zone refining of metals is based on the
Q17. Smelting involves reduction of the metal oxide with
principle of
(a) Carbon (b) CO
(a) greater mobility of pure metal than that of the
(c) Magnesium (d) Aluminum
impurity. (b) higher [Link]. of the
impurity than that of the pure metal. Q18. Which of the following is an ore of Aluminium?
(c) greater noble character of the solid metal than that (a) Na3AlF6 (b) Al2O3.2H2O
of the impurity (d) greater solubility of the (c) Al2O3 (d) Al2O3.H2O
impurity in the molten state than in the solid. Q19. The process of extracting the metal from its ore is
called
Q7. In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the
(a) Metallurgy (b) Refining
metal is formed by the reduction of Cu2O with
(c) Concentration (d) Leaching
(a) FeS (b) CO
(c) Cu2S (d) SO2. Q20. In the Froth floatation process for beneficiation of the
ores, the ore particles float because
Q8. Heating pyrites to remove sulphur is called
(a) they are light
(a) Smelting (b) Calcination
(b) their surface is not easily wetted by water.
(c) Liquation (d) roasting
(c) they bear electrostatic charge
Q9. In the metallurgy of which of the following, cupellation (d) they are insoluble.
process is used?
Q21. In the Aluminothermite process, aluminium acts as
(a) Copper (b) Silver
(a) an oxidising agent (b) a flux
(c) Iron (d) Aluminium
(c) a reducing agent (d) a solder
Q10. Which of the following metals is most abundant in the
earth’s crust? Q22. An alloys is
(a) Mg (b) Na (a) intermetallic compound
(c) Al (d) Fe (b) solid substance containing two or more metallic
element
Q11. Which of the following benefication process is used for
(c) a solid which contains one non metal
the mineral Al2O3.2H2O?
(d) solid which contains more than one non metal
(a) Froth Floatation (b) Leaching
(c) Liquation (d) Magnetic separation Q23. Which of the following is correct
(a) tin stone is magnetic in nature
Q12. The Mond’s process of refining is used for which of the
(b) wolframite is non-magnetic m nature
following metals?
(c) wolframite is (Fe, Mn) WO4
(a) Gold (b) Copper
(d) cassiterite and rutile are sulphides of the metals
(c) Iron (d) Nickel
Q24. Corundum is an ore of Q35. The froth flotation process is based upon
(a) boron (b) copper (a) preferential adsoprtion of gangue particles oil
(c) aluminium (d) sodium (b) specific gravity of ore particles
(c) preferential wetting of ore particles by oil
Q25. An example of halide ores is:
(d) magnetic properties of gangue
(a) Galena (b) Cryolite
(c) Bauxite (d) Cinnabar Q36. Sapphire is a mineral of
(a) Hg (b) Cu
Q26. Which of the following is not an ore
(c) Zn (d) Al
(a) Bauxite (b) Zinc blended
(c) Malachite (d) Pig iron Q37. The most common constituent of steel is
(a) S (b) O
Q27. Which of the following is not a carbonate ore?
(c) C (d) Cr
(a) siderite (b) bauxite
(c) calamine (d) malachite Q38. Purest form of iron is
(a) cast iron (b) hard steel
Q28. In which of the following minerals, aluminium is not
(c) stainless steel(d) wrought iron
present?
(a) cryolite (b) bauxite Q39. Which of the following is not an ore of iron?
(c) fluorspar (d) fledspar (a) magnetite (b) limonite
(c) siderite (d) casseterite
Q29. The ore having two different metal atoms is
(a) copper pyrites (b) haematite Q40. Which of the following is not an ore of aluminium?
(c) calamine (d) magnetite (a) feldspar (b) corrundum
(c) bauxite (d) carnallite
Q30. The chief ore of zinc is
(a) cryolite (b) calamine Q41. Blister copper is
(c) calcite (d) cuprite (a) Pure copper
(b) Alloy of coppeer
Q31. The main ore of aluminium is
(C) Copper containing 2% impurity
(a) alumina (b) potash alum
(d) Ore of copper
(c) cryolite (d) bauxite
Q42. Which of the following metals does not occur as oxide?
Q32. Which of the following are the correct matching of
(a) iron (b) Aluminium
metals with the most commonly employed ores for
(C) Copper (d) sodium
their extraction?
(a) Fe: Chalcocite: Al: Bauxite Q43. Which of the following contains both Ca and Mg?
(b) Fe: Siderite; Al: Clay (a) gypsum (b) chalk
(c) Fe: Haematite; Al: corundum (C) limestone
(d) Fe: Haematite; Al: Bauxite (d) Dolomite
Q33. Which one of the furnaces among the following can Q44. The removal of impurities from a molten mass is called
produce the highest temperature? (a) calcination (b) levigation
(a) muffle furnace (c) refining (d) slagging
(b) blast furnace
Q45. Pn and Sn are extracted from their chief ore by
(c) reverberatory fumace
(a) carbon reduction and self-reduction
(d) electric furnace
(b) self-reduction and carbon reduction respectively
Q34. Which statement is correct? (c) electrolysis and self reducton
(a) gangues are carefully chosen to combine with the (d) self-reduction and electrolysis
slag present in the ore to produce easily fusible
Q46. Which of the following is gangue?
flux to carry away the impurities
(a) waste material left after concentration
(b) slags are carefully chosen to combine with the flux
(b) waste material left after purification of metal
present in the ore to produce easily fusible gangue
(c) waste material after electrolysis
to carry away the impurities
(d) waste material present in ore to be removed during
(c) gangues are carefully chosen to combine with the
concentration
flux present in the ore to produce easily fusible
slag to carry away the impurities Q47. Which of the following is correct?
(d) fluxes are carefully chosen to combine with the (a) gangue + FluX= slag
gangue present in the ore to produce easily fusible (b) froth + slag =gangue
slag to carry away the impurities (c) gangue + slag= flux
(d) flux + slag=gangue
 (d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Q48. What type of flux is used when the gangue is acidic?
(a) acidic (b) basic Q3. Assertion: Leaching is a process of reduction.
(c) neutral (d) alcoholic Reason: Leaching involves treatment of the ore with a
suitable reagent so as to make it soluble while
Q49. The extraction of metals from oxide ore involves
impurities remains insoluble.
(a) decarboxylation
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the
(b) hydrolysis
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) electrolysis
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but
(d) reduction
Reason is not a correct explanation of the
Q50. The metallurgical process in which a metal is obtained Assertion.
in fused state is called (c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(a) calcination (b) roasting (d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
(C) froth flotation (d) smelting (e) Assertion is incorrect and Reason is correct
Q4. Assertion: Coke and flux are used in smelting.
Q51. The colour of zinc sulphide is
Reason: The phenomenon in which ore is mixed with
(a) black
suitable flux and coke is heated to fusion is known as
(b) yellow
smelting.
(C) white
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the
(d) brown
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but
ASSERTION AND REASONING
Reason is not a correct explanation of the
Assertion.
Q1. Assertion: Levigation is used for the separation of (c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
oxide ores from impurities. (d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Reason: Ore particles are removed by washing in a (e) Assertion is incorrect and Reason is correct.
current of water.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the TRUE/FALSE
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
Q1. In extraction of iron from haematite ore, the reduction
is not a correct explanation of the Assertion.
reactions take place in the lower temperature range
(c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
and in the higher temperature range, in the blast
(d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
furnace.
Q2. Assertion: Zinc can be used while copper cannot be
(a) True (b) False
used in the recovery of Ag from the complex [Ag(CN)
2]- Q2. Sphalerite is a carbonate ore of zinc.
Reason: Zinc is a powerful reducing agent than copper. (a) True (b) False
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the
Q3. The principal ore of aluminium, bauxite, usually
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
contains silica, iron oxides and titanium oxide as
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
impurities.
is not a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(a) True (b) False
(c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.

QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

Q1. The powdered ore is agitated with water or washed Q3. The method of concentrating the ore which makes use
with running stream of water. The heavy ore particles of the difference in density between ore and impurities
and lighter impurities are separated. This method of is called
concentration is known as (a) levigation (b) leaching
(a) metallurgy (c) magnetic separation (d) liquifaction
(b) leaching
Q4. Cinnabar is an ore of
(c) froth floatation process
(a) Hg (b) Ag
(d) gravity separation.
(c) Sn (d) Al
Q2. The inner lining of a blast furnace is made up of:
Q5. Cassiterite is an ore of
(a) graphite bricks (b) silica bricks
(a) Mn (b) Ni
(c) fire clay bricks (d) basic bricks
(c) Sb (d) Sn
Q6. Galena is an ore of (d) Thermite process
(a) Pb
Q16. Oxides are formed when food is roasted. What is the
(b) Hg
necessity to roast oxide ores?
(c) Zn
(a) To avoid gangue particles
(d) None of these
(b) To get crude metal by using an oxidizing agent
Q7. Which of the following slags is produced during
(c) To remove the volatile impurities that are present
extraction of iron?
in the form of their oxides
(a) CaSiO3 (b) FeSiO3
(d) To make the ore porous
(c) MgSiO3 (d) ZnSiO3
Q17. List the method used for extracting sodium from
Q8. Which of the following metals is extracted using silica
halide ores like sodium chloride (NaCl) .
lined convertor?
(a) Pyro metallurgy
(a) Mg (b) Al (b) Hydrometallurgy
(c) Cu (d) Zn (c) Electrometallurgy
Q9. Which of the following metals cannot be obtained by (d) Magnetic separation
reduction of its metal oxide by aluminium? Q18. Which of the following is an illustration of
(a) Cr (b) Mn metallurgical electrochemical principles?
(c) Fe (d) Mg (a) Baeyer’s process
Q10. An ore of tin containing FeCrO4 is concentrated by (b) Solvay process
(a) gravity separation (b) magnetic separation (c) Bergius process
(c) froth floatation (d) leaching (d) Hall-Heroult process

Q11. Sulphide ores of metals are usually concentrated by Q19. An additional substance is added which combines with
froth floatation process. Which one of the following impurities to form a fusible mass during the process of
sulphide ores offers an exception and is concentrated smelting. The additional substance is called
by chemical leaching? (a) Flux (b) Slag
(a) Galena (c) Gangue (d) Ore
(b) Copper pyrite Q20. Electrolytic reduction of Al2O3 to Al by the Hall-Herault
(c) Sphalerite process is carried out
(d) Argentite (a) in presence of NaCl.
Q12. Out of the given options, which of the following ore is (b) in presence of fluorite.
used to extract silver? (c) in presence of cryolite which forms a melt with a
(a) Calamine lower melting point.
(b) Cinnabar (d) in presence of cryolite which forms a melt with a
(c) Argentite high melting point.
(d) Malachite Q21. Which of the following is present in aluminium bronze
alloy?
Q13. Which of the cases is best for hand-picking (a) Iron (b) Bronze
concentration? (c) Copper (d) Brass
(a) When the ores are a good conductor of electricity
(b) When the impurities can be distinguished from the Q22. What is the name of the alloy of copper called which
ore with the help of the naked eye contains a composition of 30-35% of zinc?
(c) When either the ore or the impurities are magnetic (a) Brass (b) Bronze
(d) When the ore particles are heavier than the (c) Duralumin (d) Magnalium
impurities Q23. Which metal is used for making water and steam
Q14. By electromagnetic separation, where are magnetic pipes?
particles collected in concentration? (a) Zinc (b) Aluminium
(a) Away from the magnetic roller (c) Copper (d) Iron
(b) On the conveyor belt Q24. Which of the following is not an impurity generally
(c) Below the magnetic roller present in crude metals?
(d) Above the magnetic roller (a) Pine oil (b) Other metals
(c) Non-metals (d) Unreacted oxides
Q15. The name of the metallurgical process in which the ore
is leached and the metal is extracted using electrolysis: Q25. Which of the following metals cannot be refined by
(a) Zone refining distillation?
(b) Hydrometallurgy (a) Tin (b) Zinc
(c) Liquation (c) Cadmium (d) Mercury
Q26. Which of the following processes is used to purify (b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but
lead? Reason is not a correct explanation of the
(a) Zone refining (b) Distillation Assertion.
(c) Liquation (d) Electrolytic refining (c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Q27. What is the anode made up of in electrolytic refining?
(e) Assertion is incorrect and Reason is correct
(a) Double salt of metal (b) Impure metal
(c) The metal ore (d) Pure metal Q3. Assertion: Nickel can be purified by the Mond process.
Reason: Ni (CO) 4 is a volatile compound which
Q28. Which of the following is an electrolyte used during
decomposes at 460K to give pure Ni.
the electrolytic refining of copper?
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the
(a) Copper chloride (b) Copper sulphate
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
solution
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but
(c) Copper sulphate solution acidified with sulphuric
Reason is not a correct explanation of the
acid (d) Sulphuric acid
Assertion.
Q29. Which of the following is not refined by zone refining (c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
method? (d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
(a) Germanium (b) Silicon (e) Assertion is incorrect and Reason is correct
(c) Gallium (d) Gold
Q4. Assertion: Hydrometallurgy involves dissolving the
Q30. Why is zone refining carried out in an inert ore in a suitable reagent followed by precipitation by a
atmosphere? more electropositive metal.
(a) To reduce the external temperature Reason: Copper is extracted by hydrometallurgy.
(b) To prevent reduction of metal (a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the
(c) To prevent oxidation of metal Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(d) To reduce the external pressure (b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but
Reason is not a correct explanation of the
ASSERTION AND REASONING Assertion.
(c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
Q1. Assertion: Copper obtained after bessemerization is (d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
known as blister copper. (e) Assertion is incorrect and Reason is correct.
Reason: Blisters are produced on the surface of the
metal due to escaping of dissolved SO2.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the TRUE/FALSE
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Q1. Solified copper obtained from silica lined convertor
Reason is not a correct explanation of the (Bessemer converter) has blistered appearance due to
Assertion. the evolution of SO2.
(c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect. (a) True (b) False
(d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Q2. Roasting of ore is done in absence of air.
(e) Assertion is incorrect and Reason is correct
(a) True (b) False
Q2. Assertion: Lead, tin and bismuth are purified by
Q3. Ores of alkali and alkaline earth metals cannot be
liquation method.
reduced by carbon.
Reason: Lead, tin and bismuth have low [Link]. as
(a) True (b) False
compared to impurities.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the Q4. In cupellation process, oval shaped crucibles made of
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion. iron are used.
(a) True (b) False
 SOLUTIONS
S1. (d) The salt which is least likely to be found in S10. (c) Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the
mineral is Nitrate. Nitrate is used mainly in Earth's crust, and the third most abundant
Inorganic fertilizers. element therein, after oxygen and silicon. It
makes up about 8% of the weight of the Earth's
S2. (a) Cyanide process is a technique for extracting
solid surface.
gold/silver from low-grade ore by converting the
gold/silver to a water soluble coordination S11. (b) Leaching: It involves treatment of ore with
complex. leaching agents (like NaOH, NaCN, KCN or other
reagents) due to which ore becomes soluble and
S3. (c) Least reactive metals like silver and gold are
their impurities remain insoluble. The leaching
obtained by cyanide process. In this process the
process is basically done in the extraction of Al
impure metal is treated with NaCN (solution) and
from Al2O3.2H2O (Alumina).
air is passed. Metal is converted into soluble
complex as S12. (d) The metal that is refined by Mond process or the
4Au + 8CN + 2H2O + O2 → 4[Au(CN)3]- carbonyl process is nickel. This process to extract
Soluble complex + 4OH- and purify nickel was used commercially before
the 19th century came to an end
S4. (a) Pyrolusite is an oxide ore of manganese.
It is the most common manganese mineral with S13. (a) Flux like limestone is used to remove rock,
chemical formula MnO2. gangue as well as slag. Hence flux is an additional
substance which is added during smelting, which
S5. (b) Copper is an unreactive metal and it reacts slowly
combines with impurities to form a fusible
with the atmosphere. The huge lumps of copper
product.
metal are found buried in the ground as nuggets.
This is called native copper. S14. (a) Leaching is a process which is used extractive
metallurgy where ore is treated with chemical to
S6. (d) The method of zone refining of metals is based on
convert the valuable metal into soluble salts.
the principle of greater solubility of the impurity
Silver is obtained by leaching ore with dilute
in the molten state than in the solid. Elements
cyanide solution.
which are used as semiconductors like Si, Ge, Ga
S15. (c) Zone Refining or Fractional Crystallisation is
etc. are refined by this method.
employed to get metal of very high purity i,e.
S7. (c) In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, ultra-pure samples of Ge Si, B, Ga, In. This method
the metal is formed by reduction of Cu2O with is based on the fact that impurities are more
Cu2S. soluble than the pure metal in the melt.
The sulphide ore of copper is heated in air until a S16. (b) Hydrometallurgy involves the use of aqueous
part is converted to oxide and then further chemistry for the recovery of metals from ores,
heating in the absence of air to let the oxide react concentrates, and recycled or residual materials
with unchanged sulphide. by dissolving the ore in a suitable chemical
Self-reduction of CuS to Cu can be carried out in reagent followed by precipitation of the metal by
either Bessemer converter or Pierce-Smith a more electropositive metal.
converter.
S17. (a) Smelting is used to produce a base metal from its
2Cu2S + 3O2 → 2Cu2O + 2SO2
ore. The reducing agent is commonly a source of
2Cu2O + Cu2S → 6Cu + SO2
carbon such as coke, or in earlier times charcoal.
S8. (d) In roasting, the ore is heated in a regular supply
of air in a furnace at a temperature below the S18. (b) Bauxite ore (Al2O3.XH2O ) has been the primary
melting point of the metal. source of aluminium, which is a mixture of
Some of the reactions involving sulphide ores are: hydrated aluminium oxide. Cryolite (Na3AlF6)
2ZnS + 3O2 → 2ZnO + 2SO2 and alunite can also be used to recover
2PbS + 3O2 → 2PbO + 2SO2 aluminium.
2Cu2S + 3O2 → 2Cu2O + 2SO2
S19. (a) The process of extracting metals from their ores
S9. (b) Cupellation is a process where ores are treated is called metallurgy. The process employed in the
under high temperatures and controlled extraction of the ore depends on the nature of the
operations to separate noble metals like gold and ore and the impurities present in it.
silver, from base metals like led, copper, zinc, and The following are the basic steps for a
others present in the ore or alloyed metal. metallurgical operation:
Crushing and grinding of the ore.
 Concentration of the ore Siderite: FeCO3
Working of the ore Bauxite: AlOx(OH)3-2x(0 < x < 1)
Purification or refining of the metal Malachite: CuCO3Cu(OH)2
S20. (b) In the froth floatation process, for the benefaction S28. (c) Fluorspar (CaF2) does not contain aluminium.
of ores, the ore particles float because their
S29. (a) CuFeS2
surface is not easily wetted by water. This method
is based on the difference in the wetting S30. (b) Calamine is ZnCO3, Cryolite is Na3AlF6, Gibbsite is
properties of ores and gangue particles with the Al(OH)3 and Malachite is [Link](OH)2
water and oil. Out of the above ores, Calamine is the only ore of
Zinc.
S21. (c) Aluminium gets oxidized.
The equation is, S31. (d) Main ore of aluminium is Bauxite. Pure
2Al + Fe2O3 → 2Fe(molten) + Al2O3 aluminium oxide is called Alumina
S22. (b) An alloy is a material composed of two or more S32. (d)
metals or a metal and a nonmetal. An alloy may be
S33. (d)
a solid solution of the elements (a single phase), a
mixture of metallic phases (two or more S34. (d)
solutions) or an intermetallic compound with no
S35. (c)
distinct boundary between the phases.
S23. (c) Wolframite is (Fe,Mn)WO4 which is magnetic in S36. (d) Sapphire is a natural crystalline form of blue,
nature transparent corundum (Al2O3), the colour being
due to traces of cobalt and other metals.
S24. (c) Corundum is an ore of aluminium.
S37. (c) Carbon is the most important constituent of steel.
S25. (b) Minerals having metals associated with halogens
It raises tensile strength, hardness, and resistance
are referred to as Halid ores. Cryolite contains
to wear and abrasion.
halogens of aluminium oxide, therefore it is a
Halid ore. S38. (d) The purest form of iron is wrought iron. It
contains 0.12 to 0.25% carbon and it is the purest
S26. (d)
form of iron.
S27. (b) Calamine: ZnCO3

S39. (d)

S40. (d) The ores of Aluminium are – Bauxite, Corundum, S46. (d)
Felspar, Cryolite, Alunite and Kaolin.
S47. (a)
• Carnalite is the ore of Potassium and Nitre is also
an ore of this metal. S48. (b) Basic fluxes like lime (CaO), magnesium oxide
• The process of extracting metal in pure form from (MgO) are used to eliminate acidic gangue and
its ore is known as metallurgy. impurities such as SiO2
S41. (c) Copper that is 97 to 98 percent pure, produced by S49. (d) During extraction of metals from oxide ores, the
smelting is called as Blister Copper. It has a reduction of metal ore to crude metal can be
blistery surface caused by sulphur dioxide carried out by using several methods such as
bubbles. pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy and
electrometallurgy. Various reducing agents such
S42. (d) as carbon, hydrogen, aluminum or other metals
S43. (d) Dolomite: CaMg(CO3)2 can be used. CO also reduces metal ores to crude
It contains both calcium and magnesium. metals.
S44. (d) The removal of impurities from an ore by forming S50. (d) The process in which metal is obtained in fused
a fusible (molten) mass is called slagging state is called smelting. During roasting and
calcination metal oxides are formed while froth
S45. (b) floatation process is used to concentrate the ore.
S51. (c)
S4. (b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is
not the correct explanation of assertion. Non
ASSERTION AND REASONING
fusible mass present in ore in mixing with
suitable flux are fused which are then reduced by
S1. (c) Assertion is true but reason is false. coke to give free metal.
Oxide ores being heavier than the earthy or rocky
gangue particles settle down while lighter TRUE/FALSE
impurities are washed away.
S2. (a) Zn is used for recovery of Ag from the complex S1. (a) In upper part at lower temperature reduction of
[Ag(CN)2]- while Cu is not used because Zn is Fe2O3 takes place by carbon monoxide but
more powerful reducing agent than Cu as Zn unreduced FeO is reduced by carbon at the higher
being more reactive than Cu as is mentioned in temperature in the lower part of the blast furnace.
the reactivity series of metals.
S2. (b) Sphalerite =ZnS
S3. (e) Leaching is the process of concentration of ores in
S3. (a) The principal ore of aluminium, bauxite, usually
which metal is made soluble in a solvent while the
contains silica, iron oxides and titanium oxide as
impurities remain insoluble and get separated
impurities
out. It does not involve any redox reaction.

SOLUTIONS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

S9. (d) Among the metals Cr, Fe, Mn, Ti, Ba, and Mg, the
S1. (c) The powdered ore is agitated with water or one that cannot be obtained by reduction of metal
washed with running stream of water. The heavy oxide by aluminium is. Mg reacts with C to form
ore particles and lighter impurities are separated. Magnesium carbide.
This method of concentration is known as froth
S10. (b) An ore of tin-containing FeCrO4 is concentrated
floatation process.
by magnetic separation as FeCrO4 is
S2. (c) The inner lining of blast furnace is made from Fire ferromagnetic in nature. Magnetic separation
Clay bricks. These are highly refractory in nature based on differences in magnetic properties of
and does not melt at even huge temperature. The the ore components.
main components of fire clay bricks are Silica and
S11. (d) Froth Floatation Process: This process is best
alumina.
suitable for sulphide ores. The process is based on
S3. (a) Levigation is based on the difference in densities different wetting characteristics of the ore and
of the metallic ore and gangue particles. gangue particles with water and pine oil. The ore
Powdered ore is treated with a stream of running is wetted by oil and impurities are wetted by
water when the lighter gangue particles are water. Ore particles are adsorbed on potassium
washed away and heavier ore particles are left or sodium ethyl xanthate (as a collector) and
behind. come at the surface along with the froth. Froth
stabilizer (cresols, aniline) stabilize the froth.
S4. (a) Cinnabar is mined as the major ore of mercury.
But Argentite is not concentrated by this method.
The ore of cinnabar is squeeze plus made warm
The following method is used to concentrate
toward let mercury goes as a vapour.
Argentite:
S5. (d) Cassiterite, also called tinstone, heavy, metallic, Ag2S + 4NaCN → 2Na[Ag(CN)2] + Na2S
hard tin dioxide (SnO2) that is the major ore of tin. Silver is obtained by reaction with Zn:
It is colourless when pure, but brown or black 2Na[Ag(CN)2] + Zn → Na2[Zn(CN)4] + 2Ag
when iron impurities are present.
S12. (c) The only silver ore of the above options having
S6. (a) Galena, also called lead glance, a grey lead sulfide the chemical formula Ag2S is argentite, also
(PbS), the chief ore mineral of lead. known as a silver glance. Silver may be easily
extracted from silver glance by smelting or
S7. (a) In the metallurgy of iron, limestone (CaCO3) acts
chemical leaching.
as a flux and forms calcium silicate CaSiO3 (slag).
S13. (b) When concentration is carried out by hand
S8. (c) Copper matte is put in a silica-lined converter to
picking, it is crucial that impurities can be easily
remove the remaining FeO and FeS present in the
distinguished from ore particles. If these
matte as slag (FeSiO3).
impurities are visible to the human eye, the ore is
 said to be pure. It is claimed that the ore is S22. (a) Brass is an alloy of copper which contains 60% of
suitable for concentration by hand picking. copper and 40% of zinc. It is highly ductile in
S14. (c) Over a conveyor belt that rotates around two nature, corrosion resistant and is mainly used for
rollers, one of which has an electromagnet, the making parts of machinery and condenser tubes.
powdered ore is dumped. When the ore particles It is also used for making utensils.
travel across the belt, the magnetic roller draws S23. (c) Copper is used because of its high thermal
the magnetic particles. Two piles therefore conductivity. This is higher than all other metals
independently develop. Non-magnetic particles except silver, a precious metal. Copper has a 60%
are collected away from the magnetic roller,
better thermal conductivity rating than
while magnetic particles are gathered beneath it.
aluminium and a 3,000% better rating than
S15. (b) In the field of extractive metallurgy, a method for
stainless steel.
removing metals from their ores is known as
hydrometallurgy. Aqueous solutions are used in S24. (a) The impurities generally present in crude metals
the hydrometallurgy process to extract metals consist of other metals, formed by reduction of
from ores, concentrates, and recycled or residual their respective oxides present in the ore, non-
materials. metals such as silicon and phosphorus, unreacted
S16. (c) Oxides that are volatile contaminants are oxides and sulphides of the metals and
removed from oxide ores by roasting. By substances taken up in the furnace such as slag.
reduction, it is simpler to get metals from their S25. (a) Distillation process is used for refining metals
oxides than from carbonates or sulfides. As a
that are usually volatile in nature. Zinc, cadmium
result, before the ore can be reduced, it must first
and mercury are refined vial distillation where
be converted to metal oxide.
the pure metal distils over, leaving behind the
S17. (c) With the use of electrometallurgy or electrolysis, non-volatile impurities.
sodium, a highly electropositive metal, is easily
extracted from sodium chloride. Pyrometallurgy S26. (c) Liquation is used for purification of metals that
and hydrometallurgy are used to extract metals contain impurities which are less fusible than the
like copper, iron, and silver. metals themselves, that is, the melting points of
the metals are lower than that of the impurities.
S18. (d) By using an electrochemical reaction, the Hall- Lead is refined by liquation process.
Heroult method converts bauxite to almost pure
aluminium. The bauxite is dissolved in sodium, S27. (b) In electrolytic refining, the impure metal is
fluorine, and aluminium electrolyte that is molten converted to a block which forms the anode while
and maintained at a high temperature. In this the cathode is made up of a pure strip of the same
procedure, oxygen gas is created at the anode metal. The electrolyte used is generally a solution
while aluminium is deposited at the cathode. of a soluble salt of the metal, usually, a double salt
S19. (a) A material known as flux can either be an acidic of the metal.
oxide (SiO2) or a basic oxide (CaO, MgO). Slag is S28. (c) In the electrolytic refining of copper, crude
created when it mixes with certain impurities copper or blister copper is made the anode, a thin
(gangue particles). This is simple to remove. sheet of pure copper is made the cathode and a
S20. (c) Pure aluminium is separated from its mixture solution of copper sulphate acidified by sulphuric
using the Hall-Heroult technique. In this acid is used as the electrolyte.
procedure, the melting point of the mixture is
S29. (d) Zone refining is based on the principle that the
lowered while improving electrical conductivity
impurities are more soluble in the molten state
by mixing pure aluminium (Al2O3) with calcium
fluoride (CaF2) or sodium aluminium than in the solid state of the metal.
hexafluoride (Na3AlF6). In the Hall-Heroult Semiconductors such as germanium, silicon and
procedure, a steel tank with a graphite and gallium are refined by zone refining. Gold is
carbon rod liner is employed. generally refined via electrolysis.

S21. (c) Aluminium bronze is an alloy made up of S30. (c) In zone refining, when the melt of an impure
aluminium and copper. Its percentage metal is allowed to cool, the pure metal
composition is 95% of aluminium and 5% of crystallizes out while the impurities remain in the
copper. It is mainly used for making coins. It is a melt. This process is usually carried out in an
light strong alloy with golden lustre and resistant inert atmosphere to prevent the oxidation of the
to corrosion. metal.
 Copper is extracted by hydrometallurgy.
ASSERTION AND REASONING So, reason is also correct but it is not the
explanation of assertion.
S1. (a) Blisters are produced on metal surface because of Both assertion and reason are true and reason is
SO2. So it is called Blister Copper. not the correct explanation of assertion.
S2. (a) Liquation process is used when the impurity is
less fusible than the metal itself. TRUE/FALSE
lead, tin and bismuth have low [Link]. as compared
to impurities. S1. (a) Evolution of SO2 produces blister-like appearance
Hence, lead, tin and bismuth are purified by on the surface of solidified copper.
liquation method. S2. (b) Roasting is a process that occurs when there is an
Both Assertion and Reason are correct and abundance of air. Roasting is the process of
Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion. rapidly heating a sulphide ore in the presence of
S3. (a) Nickel is heated in a stream of carbon monoxide a large amount of air. During roasting, the
forming a volatile complex nickel tetracarbonyl sulphide is converted to an oxide, and the sulphur
which on further decomposition gives pure Ni. is liberated as sulphur dioxide.
This process is called Mond process. S3. (a) The reduction potential of alkali and alkaline
earth metals is very high. They're powerful
reducing agents. Other reducing agents are
unable to reduce alkali and alkaline earth metal
oxides or other compounds. As a result, no
chemical reduction is possible.
S4. (b) Hydrometallurgy involves dissolving the ore in a
suitable reagent (like water, dilute acids or S4. (a) It's composed of ceramic or bone ash and looks
sodium cyanide solution) followed by like a little egg cup. Copper crucibles were
precipitation by a more electropositive metal. typically large, shallow pots used for smelting
So, it is used for extraction of less electropositive copper. Crucibles and their lids are commonly
metals like copper, silver, gold. composed of porcelain, alumina, or inert metal,
So, the assertion is correct. which can withstand high temperatures.
Analysing reason