GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND PROCESSES OF ISOLATION OF ELEMENTS

Elements like Au, Pt, S, C, N, O and noble gases etc

occur in free state or native state due to less reactivity. (I) Concentration of the ore: Removal of unwanted
 The compounds of metals in which metals occur in
materials like (Ex : Sand, Clays etc.,) from the ore
nature are called minerals
 The minerals from which metal can be conveniently is known as concentration or dressing or
& economically extracted are called ores
benefaction.
 All ores are minerals but all minerals are not ores
 The impurities present in ore are known as gangue (a) Hydraulic washing (or) Levigation :
(or) matrix  It is based on the differences in the gravities
of ore & gangue particles (gravity
Metal Ores Composition separation)
Aluminium Bauxite Al2O3.2H2O or  When an upward stream of running water is
used to wash the powdered ore, the lighter
AlOx(OH)3- gangue particles are washed away & heavier
2x (o<x<1) ore particles are left behind.
Kaolinite Al2(OH)4Si2O5 (b) Electromagnetic separation:
 It is used when either the ore or impurities
Iron Haematite Fe2O3 are magnetic in nature
Chromite FeCr2O4 Ex: cassiterite (SnO2) (non magnetic) is
separated from Wolframite (FeWO 4)
Limonite FeO(OH) (magnetic)
Magnetite Fe3O4  Rutile (TiO2)(magnetic) & Chlorapatite (3
Ca3(PO4)2.CaF2) (non magnetic) are
Siderite FeCO3 separated
Iron pyrites FeS2  Chromite (FeCr2O4), magnetite (Fe3O4),
Pyrusite all being magnetic are separated
Copper Copper CuFeS2 from non magnetic gangue particles (silica)
pyrites
Malachite CuCO3.Cu(OH)2
Azurite 2CuCO3.Cu(OH)2
Cuprite Cu2O
Copper Cu2S
glance
Zinc Zinc blend ZnS (c) Froth floatation method:
or
sphalerite
Calamine ZnCO3
(Smithsonite)
 The entire scientific & technological process used
for isolation of the metal from its ore is known as
metallurgy
 The extraction & isolation of metals from their ores
can be done by using the following major steps
 Concentration of the ore  It is used for the concentration of sulphide
 Isolation of metal from its concentration ore ores
 Purification of the metal  It is based on the different wetting
characteristics of the ore & gangue particles
with water & oil

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  The ore particles are wetted by oil and
2. Roasting: The process in which ore is heated at
gangue particles are wetted by water.
 Powdered ore+ water + collectors + froth high temperature in excess of air below its melting
stabilizers
Collectors: pine oil, fatty acids, xanthates point is called roasting.
(potassium ethyl xanthate) The sulphide ores decompose to their oxides
Froth stabilisers: Cresol, aniline
Activator: CuSO4 evolving SO2
Depressants: NaCN Or KCN 2ZnS + 3O2 → 2ZnO + 2SO2
 In case of an ore containing ZnS & PbS, the
depressant used is NaCN. Its reactivity 2PbS + 3O2 → 2PbO + 2SO2
prevents ZnS from coming to the froth but
2Cu2S + 3O2 → 2Cu2O + 2SO2
allows PbS to come with the froth
 It is carried out in reverberatory (or) blast furnaces
Leaching: It is used if the ore is soluble in some
 It the ore contains iron, it is mixed with silica
suitable solvent
before heating. Iron oxide removed as iron silicate
(d) Leaching of alumina from bauxite:
(slag).
Impurities in bauxite: SiO2, TiO2, Fe2O3
FeO + SiO2 → FeSiO3
Reagent: NaOH, Al2O3+2NaOH+3H2O-
Gangue Flux (slag)
→2Na[Al(OH)4] (remaining impurities are left
Note:
behind]
1. When the ore is associated with basic impurities a
2Na[Al(OH)4]+CO2→Al2O3.xH2O+2NaHCO3
suitable acidic flux is used
Al2O3. xH2O Al2O3+xH2O
Ex: P2O5, SiO2 . . . . .→ acidic fluxes
(e) Other examples
2. If the ore is associated with acid impurities a
Noble metals like Ag, Au are leached with
suitable basic flux is used
dilute solution of NaCN or KCN in the
Ex: CaO, MgO. . . . .→basic fluxes
presence of air (oxygen)
SiO2+CaO→CaSiO3
(II) Isolation of metal form its concentrated ore:
3. Thomas slag (Ca3(PO4)2). This is used in
It involves 2 steps
manufacture of cement & fertilizers
 Conversion to oxide
Reduction of oxide to metal
 reduction of oxide into metal
Metal oxide + reducing agent → metal
Reducing agnet: C (or) CO (or) another metal
Conversion of concentrated ore into oxide form
MxOy + yC → xM + YCO
1. Calcination: The process in which ore is heated at
 Oxides of very reactive metals like Na, Mg, K, Ca,
high temperature in the absence of air is called
Al . . . . can be reduced by electrolytic method
calcination. In this volatile components will be
 oxides of less reactive metals like Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu,
removed such as CO2, water vapour etc.,
Zn, Sn, Pb can be reduced by reducing agents like
Fe2O3.xH2O→Fe2O3+xH2O
C (or) Co (or) any other metal
ZnCO3→ZnO+CO2
 The process of extracting a metal by heating the
CaCO3.MgCO3→CaO+MgO+2CO2
metal oxide with suitable reducing agent is called
pyrometallurgy

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  Any metal lying below in the ellingam diagram will
Thermodynamic principles of metallurgy:
reduce oxide of other metal which lie above it ie.,
 Gibbis free energy change metals with lowers G (more -ve) will reduce
G= H–T S metals with higher G (less-ve) decrease order of
–ve G values of oxides, decrease order of
G = –2.303 RT logKc tendency to act as reducing agent
 If G = –ve, Kc = +ve. Forward reaction is Ca > Mg > Al> Ti > Cr > C > Fe > Ni > Hg > Ag
(below 1773K)
favoured Note: reduction of metal oxide is easier if the metal
 If G = –ve, reaction is feasible formed is in liquid state at the temperature of
reduction
 A reaction with G=+ve can be still made to occur [ G = +Ve, G = more –ve]
by coupling it with another reaction having large – Applications:
ve G so that the net G of the two reactions is - 1. Extraction of iron from its oxides:
ve  Above 1073K ( Gf)Fe2O3 > ( Gf)CO
ELLINGHAM DIAGRAM:  Above 1073K Carbon (coke) can reduce Fe2O3

Fe2 +3 2Fe(s) + 3CO(g)[∆G

= –ve]

Below 1073K (∆Gf)CO >

 Below 1073K carbon (coke) cannot reduce Fe2O3,

But Below 1073K >

Below 1073K CO can reduce Fe2O3
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
 All the above reactions are carried out in blast
furnace
CaCO3 CaO+CO2
CaO+SiO2 → CaSiO3
Gibbs energy (G0) vs T plots (schematic) for
Flux Gangue Slag
formation of some oxides
 The iron obtained from blast furnace contains about
Characteristics:
4% carbon & many impurities in traces (eg) Si, P,
 2xM(s) + →2MxO(s); S = –ve S, Mn). This is known as pig iron
If T is increase, G becomes less –ve
G increase with increase on temp, then  Varieties of iron:
slope=+ve.  Pig iron: most impure form
 The temperature at which phase change occurs is
indicated by an increase in the slope on +ve side % of carbon: 4%
 There is a point in a curve below which G is –ve, Impurities : Si, S, P, Mn
so metal oxide is stable. Above this temperature
Mp: 1473K
metal oxide will decompose ( G=+ve) on heating
(eg;Ag & Hg)  Cast iron:
 In the ellingahm diagram, the graph for the
formation of CO shows a-ve slope. This is because  It is made by melting pig iron with
S increase & G decrease with increase in temp scrap iron & coke using hot air
blast
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  % of carbon: 3%  Na is obtained by the electrolysis of fused
 Extremely hard & brittle mp: NaCl in Down’s process
1473K  Al is obtained by electrolysis of fused Al2O3
 Wrought iron (or) malleable iron: present ∆G=-nFE0 If E0 is +ve, then ∆G=-ve
form C%: 0-2-0.5%  more reactive metal will displace less reactive
Prepared from cast iron in reverbarotry metal from solution
furnace  + Fe(s) → Cu(s)+
Fe2O3 + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO More reactive less reactive
Malleable, ductile & soft  In extraction of some metals flux is added for
 Steel: C%: 0.15 – 1.5% making the electrolyte more conducting
It also contains traces of P, S, Cr, Mn, Ni Ex: (i) Aluminium [Hall-heroult process]
2. Extraction of Copper from Cuprous oxide (Cu2O):
Most of the ores of copper are sulphides & contain
iron sulphide
Roasting
2 FeS + 3O3 → 2FeO + 2SO2
2 Cu2S + 3O2 → 2Cu2O + 2SO2
FeO + SiO2 → FeSiO3
 In the extraction of Al, purified Al 2O3 is mixed with
Gangue Flux Slag
cryolite (Na3AlF6) (or) fluorspar (CaF2) to ↓ mp & ↑
Reduction: Cu2O + C 2Cu + CO;
conducting
Self Reduction 2Cu2O + Cu2S  6Cu + SO2
Cathode: Steel vessel with lining of carbon
3. Extraction of zinc from zinc oxide
Anode: graphite
ZnO(s) + C(s) Zn(s) + CO(g)
2 Al2O3+3C→4Al+3CO2
Cathode: Al+3+3e– → Al
Metal oxide R.A Gangue Flux
Anode: C(s) + O2- → CO + 2e–
Fe2O3 >1073→C SiO2 CaO
C(s) + 2O2– → CO2 + 2e–
<1073→CO
Copper from low grade ores & scraps :
Cu2O Coke (c) FeO SiO2
Copper is extracted by hydro metallurgy from low
grade ores
Electrochemical Principles of metallurgy
It is leached out using acid (or) bacteria
 The process of extracting highly electropositive
+H2→Cu(s)+2H+
matels like Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al... by the electrolysis
Note: To reduce copper, usage of iron scraps is
of their oxides, hydroxides (or) chlorides in fused
advisable even though the reduction will be faster in
state.
case zinc scraps are used but zinc is costlier than iron.
Ex:
Oxidation-reduction

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 On passing electricity the pure metal gets deposited
Metals & non-metals can also be extracted by oxidation on the cathode while the insoluble impurities settle
of their compounds down below the anode is known as anode mud
 Zone refining:
Ex: (i) Isolation of chlorine: Metals purified: Si, Ge, Ga (used as
Cl2 is extracted by electrolysis of brine solution semiconductors)
Note: Gallium arsenide & Indium antimonide
2NaCl  2Na+ + 2Cl- ; which are used as semi conductors are also purified
at anode 2Cl-  Cl2 + 2e-; a by zone refining
Zone refining is based on the difference in
t cathode 2Na+ + 2H2O + 2e-  H2 + 2NaOH solubility of impurities in molten & solid state of
the metal
∆G = –nFE0 = +422 KJ In zone refining, a movable heater is fitted around a
+422 × 1000 = –2 × 96500 × E0 rod of the impure metal. The heater is slowly
moved across the rod. The metals melts at the point
E0 = -2.2V of heating & as the heater moves on from one end
Due to over voltage the actual electrolysis requires an of the rod to the other end, the pure metal
crystallizes while the impurities pass on the
external e.m.f greater than 2.2V adjacent melted zone.
During electrolysis
At anode: Cl2 is liberated
At cathode: H2
Solution formed: NaOH
Extraction of gold & silver:
Extraction of Ag & Au involves leaching the metal with  Vapour phase refining : [van-Arkel method]
This method is used for preparing ultrapure metals
CN- (NaCN or KCN in presence of O2) required in space technology.
Metals purified: Ti, Zr, Th & U
4Au(s)+ 2H2O(aq)+ →4[Au(CN)2] +
Impure metal volatile stable compound
generally iodide (leaving behind impurities
Note: The decomposition temperature of the metal
2[Au(CN)2] +Zn(s)→2Au(s)+[Zn(CN)4] iodide should be less than the mp of the metal.
Zn: Reducing agent Ti+2I2 TiI4 Ti+2I2
Impure metal volatile pure metal

Zr+2I2→ZrI4 Zr+2I2
Purification of metal [Refining]
Impure metal volatile pure metal
Crude metal pure metal Monds process:
 Liquation In this process nickel is purified by vapour phase
Metals purified: Sn, Pb, Bi & Hg [low melting refining
metals than impurities] Ni + 4CO Ni(CO)4 Ni +
The metal melts & flows down the sloping hearth 4CO
leaving behind infusible material (impurities) on  Chromatographic methods:
the hearth.  It is based on the principle that the different
 Distillation compounds of mixture are adsorbed to different
Metals purified: Zn, Cd, Hg..... [low boiling metals extent on an adsorbent
(or) volatile metals]  Chromotography consists of two phases one
 Electrolytic refining phase is stationary and other mobile phase
Metals purified: Cu, Ag, Au, Cr, Ni, Zn, Al…. Column chromatography
Anode: impure metal Adsorbent: Alumina (Al2O3) (or) silica gel or
Cathode: pure metal ion exchange resins [stationary phase]
Electrolyte: soluble salt of the metal Mobile phase: suitable solvent

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 Different components of the mixture are
adsorbed to different extents depending up on
their polarity
 Later the adsorbed compounds are extracted
(eluted) from the column with a suitable
solvent (elutent)
 The component which is more strongly
adsorbed on the column takes longer time to
travel through the column than a compound
which is weakly adsorbed
 This technique is used when the elements are
available only in minute quantities & are not
very much different in chemical properties
from the elements to be purified
Ex: Lanthanoids are purified by this method
using ion exchange resins as adsorbent.

Extraction of metals
1. Iron
Iron is extracted from hematite (Fe2O3)
Reactions in various zones
 Concentration: By gravity separation method
 Zone of combustion:
 Calcination: It remove moisture & impurities of
C + O2 → CO2; ∆H = –393.54 KJ mol-1
S, P & As ore becomes porous FeO changes to
 Zone of heat adsorption:
Fe2O3. [4FeO+O2→2Fe2O3]
CO2 + C → 2CO; ∆H=+163ks
 In case of carbonate ore (siderite) during
Temperature attained =1300k
calcination it is converted into FeO.
 Zone of reduction
FeCO3 → FeO + CO2
At 500-800K:
4FeO + O2 → 2Fe2O3
3Fe2O3 + CO → 2Fe3O4 + CO2
 In case of sulphide ore (iron pyrites)
Fe3O4 + 4CO → 3Fe + 4CO2
concentration is carried out by roasting
Fe2O3 + CO → 2FeO + CO2
4FeS2 + 11O2 → 2Fe2O3 + 8SO2
At 900-1500K:
 Smelting: It is carried out in blast furnace
C + CO2 → 2CO
Calcined ore (8parts) +lime stone (1part) +
FeO + CO → Fe + CO2
coke (4parts) are introduced from the top.
Fe2O3 + CO 2FeO + CO2
Coke acts as fuel & reducing agent
Fe3O4 + CO 3FeO + CO2
Lime stone acts as basic flux
FeO + CO Fe + CO2
Fe2O3 + 3C 2Fe + 3CO
Zone of slag formation:
CaCO3 → CaO + CO
CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3

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  Zone of fusion: At the lower part of the furnace 2FeS + 3O2 → 2FeO + 2SO
the spongy iron melts & dissolves some carbon, FeO + SiO2 → FeSiO3
S, P, Mn, SiO2..... Gangue flux slag
The iron obtained here is called cast iron or pig A mixture of cuprous sulphide (Cu 2S) and
iron. Ferrous sulphide (FeS) is known as Matte (or)
2. Copper: Copper matte.
Copper is mainly extracted from copper pyrites  Bessimerisation :
Copper extraction involves the following steps. FeS FeO FeSiO3
 Concentration: It is concentrated by froath 2Cu2S+3O2→2Cu2O+2SO2
flotation process Cu2S+2Cu2O→6Cu+SO2 [auto reduction]
 Roasting: The solidified copper obtained has blistered
S + O2 → SO2 appearance due to the evolution of SO2 and so
P4 + SO2 → P4 O10 it is called Blister copper.
4AS + 3O2 → 2AS2O3  Refining of metal:
4Sb + 3O2 → 2Sb2O3 Blaster copper is purified by (i) Poling process
2CuFeS2 + O2 → Cu2S + 2FeS+SO2 (ii) Electrolytic refining
 Smelting
Roasted ore + coke + silica is heated in a blast
furnace

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8
 (C) Calcination (D) Roasting
Ans (C)

QUESTIONS FOR CLASSROOM 6. Sodium Cyanide is added as a depressant in the

DISCUSSION froth floatation process when the ore contains a
1. A mineral is known as ore if metal mixuter of ZnS and PbS. This is because
(A) cannot be produced from it (A) Pb(CN)2 gets precipitated without any effect on
(B) can be produced from it ZnS
(C) can be extracted from it profitably (B) ZnS forms soluble complex while PbS forms
(D) exist in major amount froth
Ans (C) (C) PbS forms soluble complex while ZnS forms
froth
2. The ore having two different metal atoms is
(D) Zn(CN)2 gets precipitated without any effect on
(A) haematite (B)galena
PbS
(C) magnetite (D) Copper pyrite
Ans (B)
Ans (D)
ZnS form a soluble complex with NaCN but PbS
Copper pyrite is CuFeS2. It has two different metal
goes in forth
atoms

7. In blast furnace, the highest temperature is in

3. Froth floatation process is used for the metallurgy
(A) slag zone (B) reduction zone
of
(C) combustion zone (D) fusion zone
(A) Chloride ores (B) Amalgams
Ans (C)
(C) Oxide ores (D) Sulphide Ores
Combustion zone is the highest temperature zone
Ans (D)
8. Silica is added to roasted copper ore during
4. In the froth floatation process for the purification of smelting in order to remove
ores, the particles of ore float because: (A) Cuprous oxide (B) cuprous sulphide
(A) their surface is not easily wetted by water
(C) Ferrous sulphide (D) ferrous oxide
(B) they are light
Ans (D)
(C) they are insoluble
FeO is the gangue in the copper pyrite ore. Silica is
(D) they bear electrostatic charge
added as flux to remove ferrous oxide as slag
Ans (A)
(FeSiO3)
This is because, ore particles are wetted by oil and
9. Aluminium oxide is not reduced by chemical
not by water
reaction since
5. When limestone is heated, CO 2 is given off. The (A) aluminium oxide is highly stable
metallurgical operation is (B) aluminium oxide is reactive
(A) Smelting (B) Reduction (B) reducing agents contaminate
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 (D) the process pollutes the environment Conceptual

Ans (A) 14. In the electrorefining of copper, some gold is

Aluminum oxide is not reduced by chemical deposited as

regents as it is highly stable (A) anode mud (B) cathode mud

(C) cathode (D) electrolyte
10. Gold is extracted by hydrometallurgical process Ans (A)
based on its property In the electrorefining of copper, impurities of gold
(A) of being electropositive are deposited as anode mud
(B) of being less reactive 15. Which of the following has lowest percentage of
(C) to form salts which are water soluble carbon?
(D) to from complexes which are water soluble (A) Steel (B) Cast iron
Ans (D) (C) Wrought iron (D)All have percentage
Hydrometallurgy is based on the property of Ag Ans (C)
and Au to form a water soluble cyano complexes Wrought iron is the purest form of iron with lowest
with NaCN percentage of carbon
11. In blast furnance, iron oxide is reduced by 16. G Vs T plot in the Ellingham’s diagram slopes
(A) hot blast air (B) carbon monoxide downwards for the reaction
(C) carbon (D) silica
Ans (B) (A) Mg +

Carbon monoxide is the reducing agent in blast

(B)
furnace
12. identify the reaction that does not take place in a (C)
blast furnance. (D) None of these
(A) 2Fe2O3 + 3C  4Fe + 3CO2 Ans (C)
(B) CO2 + C  2CO G Vs T plot in the Ellingham’s diagram slopes
(C) CaCO3  CaO + CO2 downwards for the reaction(1)
(D) CaO + SiO2  CaSiO3 17. Which of the following reactions taking place in the
Ans (A) Blast furnace is endothermic?
(A) CaCO3  CaO + CO2
13. The method of zone refining of metals is based on
(B) 2C + O2  2CO
the principle of
(C) C + O2  CO2
(A) greater mobility of the pure metal than that of
the impurity (D) Fe2O3 + 3CO  2Fe + 3CO2
(B) higher melting point of the impurity than that of
the pure metal Ans (A)
(C) greater noble character of solid metal than that Decomposition of calcium carbonate
of the impurity
(D) greater solubility of the impurity in the molten (CaCO3  CaO + CO2) is endothermic
state than in the solid 18. Ellingham diagram represents a graph of
Ans (D) (A) S Vs P (B) G Vs P
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 Option (i) is the answer.
(C) G Vs T (D) G Vs T
24. Zone refining is based on the principle that
Ans (D) ___________.
a. impurities of low boiling metals can be
19. The process of zone refining is used in the
separated by distillation.
purification of b. impurities are more soluble in molten metal
than in solid metal.
(A) Al (B) Ge c. different components of a mixture are
(C) Cu (D) Ag differently adsorbed on an absorbent.
d. vapours of the volatile compound can be
Ans (B) decomposed in pure metal.
Solution:
Option (ii) is the answer.
20. In the extraction of chlorine by electrolysis of brine
25. In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore,
____________.
the metal is formed by the
a) oxidation of Cl– ion to chlorine gas occurs.
reduction of Cu2O with
b) reduction of Cl– ion to chlorine gas occurs.
c) For the overall reaction, ∆Gᶱ has a negative a) FeS
value. b) CO
d) a displacement reaction takes place. c) Cu2S
d) SO2
Solution:
Solution:
Option (c) is the answer.
Option (iii) is the answer.
21. When copper ore is mixed with silica, in a
reverberatory furnace copper matte 26. Brine is electrolysed by using inert electrodes. The
reaction at anode is ________.
is produced. The copper matte contains ____________.
a) Cl–(aq.) →1/2Cl2 (g) + e– ; E°cell = 1.36V
a) sulphides of copper (II) and iron (II)
b) 2H2O(l) → O2(g0 + 4H+ + 4e- ; E°cell = 1.23V
b) sulphides of copper (II) and iron (III)
c) Na+(aq) + e- → Na(s) ; E°cell = 2.71V
c) sulphides of copper (I) and iron (II)
d) H+(aq) + e- → 1/2H2(g) ; E°cell = 0.00V
d) sulphides of copper (I) and iron (III)Solution:
Solution:
Option (iii) is the answer.
Option (i) is the answer.
22. Which of the following reactions is an example of
autoreduction?
a) Fe3O4 + 4CO → 3Fe + 4CO2 27. In the metallurgy of aluminium
b) Cu2O + C → 2Cu + CO ________________.
c) Cu2+ (aq) + Fe (s) → Cu (s) + Fe2+ (aq)
d) Cu2O + 1/2Cu2S → 3Cu + 1/2SO2 a) Al3+ is oxidised to Al (s).
b) graphite anode is oxidised to carbon monoxide
Solution: and carbon dioxide.
c) the oxidation state of oxygen changes in the
Option (iv) is the answer.
reaction at the anode.
23. A number of elements are available in earth’s crust d) the oxidation state of oxygen changes in the
but most abundant overall reaction involved in the process
elements are ____________. Solution:
a) Al and Fe Option (ii) is the answer.
b) Al and Cu
28. Electrolytic refining is used to purify which of the
c) Fe and Cu
following metals?
d) Cu and Ag
a) Cu and Zn
Solution:
b) Ge and Si

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Column I Column II

(A) Cyanide process (1) Ultrapure Ge

(B) Froth Floatation (2) Dressing of ZnS

Process (3) Extraction of Al
(C) Electrolytic reduction (4) Extraction of Au
Column I Column II
(D) Zone refining (5) Purification of Ni (1) Zone refining
c) Zr and Ti (A) Coloured bands
d) Zn and Hg (2)Fractional
(B) Impure metal to volatile distillation
Solution: complex (3) Mond Process
Option (i) is the answer. (C) Purification of Ge and Si (4) Chromatography
29. Extraction of gold and silver involves leaching the (D) Purification of mercury
metal with CN–ion. The metal is recovered by (5) Liquation
________________.
a) displacement of metal by some other metal
from the complex ion.
b) roasting of the metal complex.
c) calcination followed by roasting.
d) thermal decomposition of the metal complex.
Solution:
Option (i) is the answer.
30. Choose the correct option of temperature at which
carbon reduces FeO to iron and produces CO.
a) Below temperature at point A.
b) Approximately at the temperature
corresponding to point A.
32. Match the items of Column I with the items of
c) Above temperature at point A but below a
Column II and assign the correct
temperature at point D.
d) Above temperature at point A. code :
Solution: Code :
Option (iv) is the answer. (i) A (1) B (2) C (4) D (5)
31. Below point ‘A’ FeO can ______________. (ii) A (4) B (3) C (1) D (2)
a) be reduced by carbon monoxide only. (iii) A (3) B (4) C (2) D (1)
b) be reduced by both carbon monoxide and
carbon. (iv) A (5) B (4) C (3) D (2)
c) be reduced by carbon only. Solution:
d) not be reduced by both carbon and carbon
monoxide. Option (ii) is the answer.

Solution: 33. Match items of Column I with the items of Column

II and assign the correct code :
Option (i) is the answer
Code :
(i) A (4) B (2) C (3) D (1)
(ii) A (2) B (3) C (1) D (5)
(iii) A (1) B (2) C (3) D (4)
(iv) A (3) B (4) C (5) D (1)Solution:
Option (i) is the answer.

12
 (a) Manganese
(b) Carbon
34. Method used for obtaining highly pure silicon
(c) Silicon
used as a semiconductor material, is
(d) Phosphorus
(a) Oxidation
Ans: (b)
(b) Electrochemical
Pig iron or cast iron contains 3 – 5% carbo and
(c) Crystallization
varying amounts of Mn, Si, P and S which makes
(d) Zone refining
the iron hard and brittle.
Ans: (d)
38. Which of the following pairs of metals is
Si obtained by reduction of SiCl4 with H2 is further
purified by van Arkel method?
purified by zone refining method to get Si of very
(a) Ga and In
high purity. Silicon is purified by zone –refining
(b) Zr and Ti
process because the impurities present in it are
(c) Ag and Au
more soluble in the liquid phase than in the solid
(d) Ni and Fe
phase.
Ans: (b)
Zr and Ti are purified by van Arkel mothod.
35. The method of zone refining of metals is
39. Which one of the following is a mineral of
based on the principle of
iron?
(a) Greater solubility of the impurity in the
(a) Malachite
molten state than in the solid
(b) Cassiterite
(b) Greater mobility of the pure metal than that
(c) Pyrolusite
of the impurity
(d) Magnetite
(c) Higher melting point of the impurity than
Ans: (d)
that of the pure metal
(d) Greater noble character of the solid metal
than that of the impurity 40. In the extraction of copper from its sulphide
Ans: (a) ore, the metal is finally obtained by the
Zone refining is based ont eh difference in reduction of cuprous oxide with:
solubility of impurities in molten and solid state of (a) Copper sulphide (Cu2 S)
the metal. This method is used for obtaining metal (b) Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
of very high purity. (c) Iron sulphide (FeS)
(d) Carbon monoxide (CO)
Ans: (a) Cuprous oxide formed during roasting of
36. Sulphide ores of metals are usually
concentrated by froth flotation process. Which cuprous sulphide is mixed with few amount of
cuprous sulphide and heated in a reverberatory
one of the following sulphide ores offer an
furnace to get metallic copper.
exception and its concentrated by chemical
2 Cu2O + Cu2S →6Cu +SO2(g)
leaching?
(a) Galena
ASSIGNMENT
(b) Copper pyrite
(c) Sphalerite
1. Identify the alloy containing a non-metal as a
(d) Argentite
constituent in it.
Ans: (d)
(a) Invar
Leaching is the selective dissolution of the desired
(b) Steel
mineral leaving behind the impurities in a suitable
(c) Bell metal
dissolving agent eg Argentitie or silver glace, Ag2S
(d) Bronze
is an ore of silver. Silver is extracted from argentite
Ans: (b)
by the mac – Arthus and Forest process (leaching
Invar is a nickel iron alloy, Bell metal is an alloy of
process)
about 80% copper and 20 % tin , Bronze is also an
37. Which of the following elements is present as
alloy of copper and tin. Steel : it always have few
the impurity to the maximum extent in the pig
% of carbon.
iron?

13
2. The metal oxide which cannot be reduced to
Iron is present in haemoglobin (blood)
metal by carbon is
(a) Fe2O3 6. The rocky and siliceous matter associated with an
(b) Al2O3 ore is called
(c) PbO
(d) ZnO (A) Slag (B) Mineral
Ans: (b) Al2O3 cannot be reduced by carbon. (C) Matrix of Gangue (D) Flux
Ans (C)
The rocky and silicious matter associated with an
ore is called matrix of gangue
7. The process of removing lighter gangue particles by
3. Match the items of Column I with items of Column washing in a current of water is called
II and assign the correct code:
(A) Levigation (B) Liquidation
(C) Leaching (D) Cupellation
Column I Column II
(1) Chrome steel Ans (A)
(A) Pendulum (2) Nickel steel Lighter gangue particles are washed in a current of
(B) Malachite (3) Na3AlF6 water by a process called levigation.
(C) Calamine (4) CuCO3.Cu(OH)2 8. Which method is used for the purification of
(D) Cryolite (5) ZnCO3 Bauxite ore?
(A) Levigation
(B) Leaching
Code :
(C) Electrolysis
(i) A (1) B (2) C (3) D (4)
(D) Magnetic separation
(ii) A (2) B (4) C (5) D (3)
Ans (B)
(iii) A (2) B (3) C (4) D (5)
Leaching is done to purify the Bauxite an ore of
(iv) A (4) B (5) C (3) D (2)
Aluminium
Solution:
9. Which of the following concentration processes
Option (ii) is the answer.
will you use when the gangue is light?
4. Pyrousite is an ore of (A) Gravity separation
(A) Magnesium (B) Manganeses (B) Magnetic separation
(C) Zinc (D) Iron (C) Froth floatation
Ans (B) (D) None of these
Pyrolusite (MnO2) is an ore of Mn Ans (A)
5. Living organism contains iron in Gravity separation method helps in washing away
(A) Chlorophyll the lighter gangue particles with the help of a
(B) Haemoglobin stream of water.
(C) Eyes of animals 10. The chemical composition of slag formed during
(D) None of these the smelting process in the extraction of copper is :
Ans (B)
14
 (A) Cu2O + FeS (B) FeSiO3 (A) Poling process is used to remove Cu2O from
(C) CuFeS2 (D) Cu2S + FeO Cu.
Ans (B) (B) Cupellation is used to remove last traces of lead
from silver as volatile PbO.

11. The process in which the ore is heated in excess of (C) Liquation process is used for the purification of
metals whose m.p. are higher than those of
air below its melting point is known as
impurities.
(A) Roasting (B) Calcination
(D) Calcination is a process of converting an ore
(C) Reduction (D) Distillation
into its oxide by heating in a limited supply of air.
Ans (A)
Ans (C)
In Roasting ore is heated in free supply of air to
Liquation process is used for the purification of
while in calcination the ore is heated in a limited
metals whose m.p. are lower than the impurities
supply of air in both cases below its melting point
16. The metal extracted by cyanide process is
12. Heating pyrites in air to remove Sulphur dioxide is
(A) Gold (B) Zinc
known as
(C) Aluminium (D) Sodium.
(A) Calcination (B) Fluxing Ans (A)
(C) Smelting (D) Roasting Silver ores and native Gold ore extracted by
Ans (D) cyanide process
The ore is roasted in free supply of air to oxidise 17. Extraction of Zinc from zinc blende is achieved by
Sulphur to Sulphur dioxide. (A) electrolytic reduction
13. Smelting is usually carried out in (B) roasting followed by reduction with carbon
(A) Blast furnace (C) roasting followed by reduction with another
(B) Open hearth furnace metal
(C) Muffle furnace (D) roasting followed by self reduction
(D) Electric furnance Ans (B)
Ans (A)
Smelting is carried out in blast furnace
14. Which of the following metals cannot be extracted 18. In the cyanide extraction process of silver from
by smelting process? argentite ore, the oxidizing and reducing agents are
(A) Pb (B) Fe (A) O2 and CO respectively
(C) Zn (D) Al (B) O2 and Zn respectively
Ans (D) (C) HNO3 and Zn dust respectively
Aluminium because it has more affinity oxygen (D) HNO3 and CO respectively.
than carbon Ans (B)
15. Which is incorrect? 4Au + 8 NacN + 2H2O + O2  4 Na(Au(CN)2] + 4
NaoH

15
 4Na [Au(CN)2] + 2 Zn  2 Na2 [Zn(CN)4 + 4 Au Ans (D)
19. Anhydrous magnesium chloride can be prepared Below 1693 K, Mg can reduce SiO2.
from hydrated magnesium chloride by heating it in Above 1693 K, Si can reduce MgO

(A) air 24. Carbon monoxide is more effective reducing agent

(B) vacuum than carbon below …….C but above this

(C) a current of dry HCl temperature reverse is true.

(D) conc. H2SO4 (A) 983 (B) 800

(C) 596 (D) 1133
Ans (C)
Ans (B)
See point 2C II (vi) of Golden concepts
Below 800C (1073 K), Oxidation of CO to CO2 is
20. Which of the following sequences of carbon
easier than C to CO2. Thus, CO is a more effective
content is correct?
reducing agent than carbon below 800C. Above
(A) Steel < Cast iron < Wrought iron
this temperature, CO becomes more stable and is
(B) Steel < Wrought iron < Cast iron
not as easily oxidized to CO2 as C so above 1073 K,
(C) Wrought iron < Steel < Cast iron
carbon is a better reducing agent.
(D) Steel < Pig iron < Wrought iron.
25. Match the column :
Ans (C)
Reaction Processes
Wrought iron (0.2 0.5% C) < steel (0.5  1.5 % C)
( (i Hydrome
< cast iron (2.5  5% C)
a ) tallurgy
21. The process of zone refining is used for
)
(A) Silicon (B) Germanium
( (i Mond's
(C) Gallium (D) All the above
b i) process
Ans (D)
)
Semiconductors such as Si, Ge and Ga are purified
by zone refining. ( (i Auto

22. Zinc spelter contains ……..% impurities. c ii reduction

(A) 2 (B) 6 ) )

(C) 50 (D) 8 ( (i Kroll

Ans (B) d v) process
Spelter is a about 98% pure zinc (= 2% impurities) )
23. Which is incorrect statement? Codes
(A) Below 1073 K, CO is more effective reducing
agent (a) (b) (c) (d)
(B) At 1073 K, CO is more effective reducing agent (A) (i) (ii) (iv) (iii)
than carbon (B) (ii) (i) (iii) (iv)
(C) Above 1073 K, coke is more effective reducing
(C) (ii) (iii) (iv) (i)
agent
(D) (i) (iii) (iv) (ii)
(D) Above 1773 K, Mg can reduce SiO2.
Ans (B)
16
 Mond’s process: It is used for refining of nickel (C) Bauxite (D) Malachite
Ans (B)
Cinnabar (HgS), a sulphide are is concentrated by

26. Which is not correctly matched for the extraction? froth floatation process

(A) Cu : Rio tinto process

(B) Zn : Mac Arthur forest cyanide process
(C) Ag : Pattinson’s process
(D) Ni : Mond’s process
Ans (B)
Mac Arthur forest cyanide process is for Ag and Au
27. To obtain steel as the end product from the
haemetite ore, the principle processes involved are
(A) reduction
(B) reduction followed by oxidation
(C) oxidation
(D) oxidation followed by reduction
Ans (B)
First of all haemetite ore is reduced with carbon
monoxide to give cast iron. After this, impurities
from cast iron are oxidized with oxygen to give
steel.
28. A mineral is known as ore if metal
(A) cannot be produced from it
(B) can be produced from it
(C) can be extracted from it profitably
(D) exist in major amount
Ans (C)
See point 1 of Golden concepts
29. Malachite is an ore of
(A) iron (B) copper
(C) mercury (D) zinc
Ans (B)
CuCO3. Cu(OH)2
30. the ore that is concentrated by Froth Floatation
process is
(A) Zincite (B) Cinnabar
17