Potassium ethylxanthate is used as a collector in the froth flotation process. It is used to make the ore particles hydrophobic. By making the ore particles hydrophobic, they are more likely to attach to the bubbles in the flotation tank, allowing the desired ore to float to the surface, where it can be separated from other materials. In this context, the term "lighter" is used to describe the ore's ability to float. The ore becomes more buoyant in the flotation medium due to its hydrophobic properties.
Thus, the function of potassium ethylxanthate is to make the ore lighter.
In the froth flotation process, potassium ethylxanthate is used as a collector. It selectively binds to the desired minerals (often sulfides), making them hydrophobic. This hydrophobicity allows the ore particles to attach to air bubbles and float to the surface, where they can be separated. The key function of potassium ethylxanthate is to make the ore lighter and hydrophobic so that it can be separated effectively from other components.
Thus, the function of potassium ethylxanthate is to make the ore \(\textbf{lighter}\).
Match the following:
In the following, \( [x] \) denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to \( x \). 
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
For x < 0:
f(x) = ex + ax
For x ≥ 0:
f(x) = b(x - 1)2
Minerals are the naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substances. They are having a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure, hardness and color. For example, copper pyrite, calamine, etc.

Impurities in an ore are called gauge. The removal of a gauge from the ore is called concentration ore.
Several steps are involved in the extraction of pure metal from ores. Major steps are as follows –