Question

Which one of the following methods can be used to obtain highly pure metal which is liquid at room temperature ?

• A. Electrolysis
• B. Chromatography
• C. Distillation
• D. Zone refining

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks us to identify the method used to obtain a highly pure metal that is liquid at room temperature. Let's analyze each option to find the correct answer.

1. Electrolysis: This method involves using electric current to induce a chemical reaction, usually to decompose a compound into its elements. It is typically used for metals in solid-state electroplating or refining, but not for metals that are in a liquid state at room temperature.
2. Chromatography: This technique is primarily used for separating and analyzing mixtures of chemicals, especially in the instances where they are in the form of gases or liquids at high temperatures. It is not a typical method used to purify metals, especially when we need the metal to remain liquid at room temperature.
3. Distillation: This is a process of separating the components of a mixture based on different boiling points. Metals with lower boiling points that are liquid at room temperature can be purified using this technique. Mercury, for example, which is a liquid metal at room temperature, can be purified by distillation because impurities will have different boiling points.
4. Zone refining: This technique involves melting a small region of a solid metal and moving the molten zone, which can concentrate impurities at one end of the solid. It is highly effective for purifying solid metals like silicon and germanium but is not applicable to metals that are already in a liquid state at room temperature.

Based on the above analysis, distillation is the correct method that can be used to purify metals which are liquid at room temperature. Mercury is a prime example of a metal that can be purified by distillation due to its liquid state at room temperature.