Which of the following metals can be extracted through alkali leaching technique?
- Cu
- Au
- Sn
- Pb
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Alkali leaching technique: This technique is used to extract metals that are amphoteric in nature. Amphoteric metals can react with both acids and bases.
Amphoteric nature of Sn: Tin (Sn) is amphoteric, meaning it reacts with alkali solutions (such as NaOH) to form soluble complexes.
For example: \[ \text{SnO} + 2\text{NaOH} \to \text{Na}_2\text{SnO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
Comparison with other metals:
Copper (Cu): Copper is not amphoteric; it does not react with alkalis.
Gold (Au): Gold is a noble metal and does not exhibit amphoteric behavior.
Lead (Pb): While lead exhibits slight amphoteric behavior, it is not commonly extracted through alkali leaching.
Thus, Sn is the only metal from the options that can be extracted via alkali leaching due to its amphoteric nature.
Top Questions on Concentration of ores
- A → P is a zero-order reaction. At 298 K, the rate constant of the reaction is \( 1 \times 10^{-3} \) mol L\(^{-1}\) s\(^{-1}\). Initial concentration of 'A' is 0.1 mol L\(^{-1}\). What is the concentration of 'A' after 10 sec?
- AP EAMCET - 2024
- Chemistry
- Concentration of ores
The methods NOT involved in concentration of ore are
A Liquation
B Leaching
C Electrolysis
D Hydraulic washing
E Froth floatation
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :- JEE Main - 2023
- Chemistry
- Concentration of ores
- Given below are two statements:
Statement I : In froth floatation method a rotating paddle agitates the mixture to drive air out of it.
Statement II : Iron pyrites are generally avoided for extraction of iron due to environmental reasons.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:- JEE Main - 2023
- Chemistry
- Concentration of ores
- Ferric oxide in blast furnace's upper half is mainly reduced by:
- CUET (UG) - 2023
- Chemistry
- Concentration of ores
- Match List-I with List-II.
List-I
List-II
(A) Aluminium (I) Calamine (B) Iron (II) Bauxite (C) Copper (III) Malachite (D) Zinc (IV) Siderite
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:- CUET (UG) - 2023
- Chemistry
- Concentration of ores
Questions Asked in JEE Main exam
- The product B formed in the following reaction sequence is: \[ {C}_6{H}_5{CN} \xrightarrow{{HCl}} (A) \xrightarrow{{AgCN}} (B) \]
- JEE Main - 2025
- Organic Chemistry
- What are the units of viscosity, intensity of wave, and pressure gradient?
- JEE Main - 2025
- Units and measurement
- If the system of equations \[ (\lambda - 1)x + (\lambda - 4)y + \lambda z = 5 \] \[ \lambda x + (\lambda - 1)y + (\lambda - 4)z = 7 \] \[ (\lambda + 1)x + (\lambda + 2)y - (\lambda + 2)z = 9 \] has infinitely many solutions, then \( \lambda^2 + \lambda \) is equal to:
- JEE Main - 2025
- Matrices and Determinants
- Let \( P_n = \alpha^n + \beta^n \), \( P_{10} = 123 \), \( P_9 = 76 \), \( P_8 = 47 \), and \( P_1 = 1 \). The quadratic equation whose roots are \( \frac{1}{\alpha} \) and \( \frac{1}{\beta} \) is:
- JEE Main - 2025
- Sequences and Series
- The distance of the point \( P(1, 2, 3) \) from the plane \( 3x - 4y + 12z - 7 = 0 \) is:
- JEE Main - 2025
- Geometry and Vectors
Concepts Used:
Concentration of Ore
The concentration of ore, also known as ore enrichment, is the process of removing gangue particles from ore in order to enhance the percentage of metal in the ore. The difference in physical or chemical properties of the ore and the impurities determines the procedures used to remove impurities from the ores.
Methods of Concentration of Ore:
- Hand-picking - It was the traditional system of directly concentrating ore with the hands. With the use of a hammer, the gangue or adhering solid matrix is removed from the ore in this procedure. The separation and identification of gangue are based on colour or lump form differences.
- Hydraulic Washing - On passing the ore via an upward stream of water, the lighter gangue particles are separated from the heavier metal ore. This is a gravity separation method.This process is used to enrich ores that are heavier than the gangue particles that are present in them. A stream of water is run through crushed and finely powdered ore in this procedure. Water washes away the lighter gangue particles, leaving the larger ore particles behind.
- Froth Floatation Process - The purpose of this process is to extract gangue from sulfide ores. The ore is pulverized and mixed with water to form a suspension. Collectors and Froth Stabilizers are added to this. Collectors like pine oils, fatty acids, etc. boost the metal part of the ore’s non-wettability, allowing it to form a froth.