Metallurgy Notes for IIT JEE PDF

Metallurgy notes for the IIT JEE provided here is a very useful study material for students who are
preparing for the JEE exam. We have included all the important terms, facts, formulas and problems
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will help students in understanding and revise the topics.
Metallurgy is one of the simplest topics to score marks in JEE. Students can expect questions that are
direct and less time-consuming. The entire scientific and technological process used for the extraction of
the metal from its ores is known as metallurgy. The important topics include metals and their extraction
processes, ores and minerals, refining methods which include liquidation, distillation, electro-refining,
zone refining, and vapour phase refining.
Table of Contents
● Concentration of Ore
● Conversion of Concentrated Ore into Metal Oxide
● Conversion of Metal Oxide into Metal
● Purification
● Aluminium
● Extraction of Iron
● Steel
● Refining of Metals
● Extraction of Copper
● Important Ores of various Metals
● Solved Examples
● Practice Problems
● Frequently Asked Questions

The process of extracting metals from their ores is called metallurgy. The extraction process involves the
following steps.
● Concentration of ore
● Conversion of concentrated ore into metal oxide
● Conversion of metal oxide into metals
● Purification of metals

Concentration of Ore
The metal ores contain non-metals, sand, clay, lime and rock materials. These impurities are called
gangue. The removal of impurities from the ore is called the concentration of the ore. Following are the
methods of concentration.
(a) Electromagnetic separation:
This process is used only when impurities or metallic ore are magnetic in nature. The finely powdered
ore is dropped over electromagnetic rollers. At the other end, the magnetic portion of the ore is attracted
by the magnetic roller and falls nearer to the roller, while non-magnetic impurities fall away from the
roller.
(b) Gravity separation:
This process is based on the fact that specific gravities of metallic ore and the earthy impurities are
different. The finely powdered ore is agitated with water or washed with a running stream of water on a
willey table. The ore particles will be left on the table, and lighter impurities will be washed away.
(c) Froth floatation process:
This method is used for sulphide ores since they are preferentially wetted by oils. The finely powdered
ore is introduced into water to which a small quantity of a suitable oil is added. Water is then agitated
with a stream of air. The ore, which is preferentially wetted by oil, rises to the surface along with the
foams while the gangue, which is wetted by water, remains in the water at the bottom. The foam along
with ore is separated. This is known as the froth floatation process. Two types of substances are used in
this process. These are frothing agents and flotation agents. Eucalyptus oil and pine oil are generally
used as frothing agents. Sodium ethyl xanthate or sodium amyl xanthate are used as flotation agents.
(d) Leaching or chemical method:
This method depends upon the chemical nature of the ore. For example, bauxite ore of aluminium
contains the impurities of iron oxide, titanium oxide and silica impurities. Bauxite is heated in a solution
of sodium hydroxide at 150-2000°C. It dissolves in the solution, forming a soluble complex. The
impurities remain insoluble, and these are removed by filtration.
Al2O3 + 6NaOH → 2Na3AlO3 + 3H2O
The filtrate is boiled with water; aluminium hydroxide gets precipitated, which on heating at
high-temperature changes to alumina.
Na3AlO3 + 3H2O → Al(OH) 3 + 3NaOH
2Al(OH)3 → Al 2O3 + 3H2O

Conversion of Concentrated Ore into Metal Oxide

(a) Calcination
In this process, the concentrated ore is heated to expel the organic matter and moisture in the ore. The
ores are heated in the absence of air below the melting point. Then the ores are converted into metal
oxide. This method is used to remove water from hydrated ores and CO2 from carbonate ores. This
process is generally carried out in a reverberatory furnace.
CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
Limestone
Al2O3.2H2O (bauxite) → Al 2O3 + 2H2O
2Fe2O3.3H2O (Limonite) → 2Fe2O3 + 3H2O
(b) Roasting
This method is usually done with sulphide ores. Sulphide ores alone or in the presence of other
substances are heated in the presence of air below their melting points. The impurities like arsenic,
phosphorus, sulphur, etc., are removed in the form of volatile oxides. This is carried out in a blast
furnace or reverberatory furnace.
2ZnS (Zinc blende) + 3O2 → 2ZnO +2SO2 ↑
2PbS (Galena) + 3O2→ 2PbO + 2SO2 ↑

Conversion of Metal Oxide into Metal

(a) Carbon reduction method
Smelting – The roasted or calcined ore is mixed with a suitable quantity of coke, and the reducing
substance and the flux are heated to a high temperature above the melting point of the metal. The metal
oxide reduces to metal, and the flux combines with impurities (gangue) to form an easily fusible product
called slag. Slag is not soluble in molten metal. It is lighter and can be easily skimmed off from the
surface of the molten metal. This process is done in a reverberatory furnace or blast furnace.
SnO2+ 2C→ Sn + 2CO↑
(Tin oxide) Tin
PbO (Lead oxide) + C → Pb + CO↑
ZnO (Zinc oxide) + C → Zn + CO↑
Flux: Metal ore contains some alkaline or acidic impurities which form fusible products by combining
with some substances. These substances are added during smelting and are called flux. The fusible
product is called slag. Basic flux is used for acidic impurity, and acidic flux is used for basic flux or
impurity.
CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3
CaO is basic flux, SiO2 is acidic impurity, and calcium silicate is the slag.
MnO + SiO2 → MnSiO3
MnO is a basic impurity, and SiO2 is an acidic flux. Manganese silicate is the slag.
Usually, the slag is a silicate or phosphate and melts before the melting point of the metal.
(b) Goldschmidt thermite process (Alumino thermite process) – In this process, a mixture of metal
oxide and aluminium powder (thermite) is ignited in a closed crucible by means of alighted magnesium
ribbon having ignition mixtures (Mg + BaO2 ) at one end. It is an exothermic reaction that liberates a
large amount of heat. The temperature of the crucible reaches 3000°C. At this temperature, the metal
oxide is reduced to metal by aluminium.
Cr2O3 + 2Al → 2C + Al 2O3
3Mn3O4 + 8Al → 9Mn + 4Al2O3
(c) Precipitation method: More reactive element (more electropositive) replaces the less reactive (less
electropositive) element from its salt solution. For example, iron can precipitate Cu from copper
sulphate solution, while copper can not precipitate iron from iron sulphate solution. This principle is
used in the precipitation method. Silver can be extracted from its ores by using this theory. If zinc is
added to a solution of silver, silver precipitates out.
Ag2S + 4NaCN → 2Na[Ag(CN)2] + Na2S
2Na[Ag(CN)2] + Zn → 2Ag + Na2[Zn(CN)4]
(d) Electrolytic method: When metal oxides, chlorides or hydroxides in a fused state are electrolysed,
the metals will deposit at the cathode. The reduction of active elements such as alkali metals, alkaline
earth metals and the oxides of Al with carbon is difficult because these form carbides with carbon at
high temperatures.

Purification
The following methods can be used for the purification of metals.
(a) Liquation: We use this method when the impurity is less fusible than the metal itself. The impure
metal is placed on the sloping hearth of the furnace and heated. The metal melts and drains away,
leaving behind the impurities. An example is a tin.
(b) Oxidation method: We use this method when the impurity has a greater affinity with oxygen as
compared to metal. The impurities are oxidised to form scum. The scum is skimmed off. Metal oxides
are used as oxidising agents. For example, copper oxide is added to impure copper.
(c) Electrolysis: Most of the metals are purified electrolytically. A thin pure metal rod or strip is used as
a cathode. The metal salt is taken as the electrolyte. The impure metal rod is used as an anode. On
electrolysis, pure metal is deposited at the cathode. Metals like Cu, Ag, Al, Zn, Cr etc., are purified by
this method.
(d) Distillation: The metals with low boiling points can be purified by distillation.
Examples – Zn, Cd, Hg etc.

Aluminium
In the metallurgy of aluminium, purified Al 2O3 is mixed with Na3AlF6 or CaF2, which lowers the melting
point of the mix and brings conductivity. The fused matrix is electrolysed. The cathode is a steel vessel
with the lining of carbon, and the anode used is graphite. The reaction is given below:
2Al2O3 + 3C → 4Al + 3CO2
This process of electrolysis is called the Hall-Heroult process.
Important Ores of Aluminium:
● Mica: KH2Al2(SiO3)4
 ● Corundum: Al 2O3
● Alum stone or Alunite: K 2SO4.Al2(SO4)3 24 H2O
● Bauxite: Al 2O3.2H2O
● Cryolite: Na3AlF6
● Feldspar: KAlSi3O8

Extraction of aluminium from bauxite

(i) Baeyer process
Finely powdered bauxite is digested with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide in an autoclave at
1500°C and 80 atmospheric pressure. Alumina present in bauxite dissolves as sodium meta aluminate.
The other impurities remain insoluble, and these are filtered out.
Al2O3.2H2O + 2NaOH → 2NaAlO2 + 3H2O
The filtrate containing sodium meta aluminate is agitated with freshly precipitated Al(OH) 3 for 36 hours.
Sodium meta aluminate hydrolyses to Al(OH) 3, NaAlO2 + 2H2O → NaOH + Al(OH) 3.
Then Al(OH) 3 is washed, filtered, dried and heated at about 15000°C. Alumina is obtained.
(ii) Electrolytic reduction of alumina
Pure. Al 2O3 on electrolytic reduction gives aluminium.
The melting point of Al 2O3 is about 2000°C. This is reduced by mixing fused cryolite (Na3AlF6) +
fluorspar (CaF2) to it. The melting point of this mixture is about 900°C. This mixture is a good
conductor of electricity. The inner carbon lining of the cell is used as the cathode and the carbon rods as
the anode. The fused mixture of alumina + Cryolite + Fluorspar is taken in the cell whose temperature is
maintained at about 900 to 10000°C. This mixture is covered by carbon powder which maintains the
temperature of the cell. The carbon anodes are dipped in the mixture. Aluminium gets free at the cathode
while oxygen at the anode. The aluminium obtained is about 99.8% pure.
(iii) Hall’s method
In this method, bauxite ore is fused with Na2CO3, and the sodium meta aluminate is formed and
extracted with water. Carbon dioxide gas is passed through the sodium meta aluminate solution at a
temperature of 50-600°C, Al(OH) 3 gets precipitated. Al(OH)3 thus obtained is filtered, dried and heated
in a furnace at about 15000°C to obtain Al 2O3.
Purification of Aluminium
Hoope’s method – Aluminium is refined electrolytically. The refining cell consists of three fused layers.
(i) The bottom anode layer of impure Al + Cu + Si,
(ii) The middle electrolyte layer of cryolite (Na3AlF) + BaF2
(iii) The top cathode layer of pure aluminium. On passing the electric current, pure Al from the bottom
layer rises to the upper layer.
 Alloys Composition

Magnalium Al 95%, Mg 5%

Duralium Al 95%, Mg 0.5%, Cu 4%, Mn 0.5%

Y-alloy Al 93%, Cu 4%, Ni 2%, Mg 1%

Uses of Aluminium
Aluminium is used in a wide range of applications in the field of transport, construction, etc.
The dust of this metal is used in paints.
Aluminium foils are used in the food industries for wrapping food.
It is used in the extraction of manganese and chromium from its oxides.
it is used in the manufacturing of storage cans since it is a soft metal and it can be moulded into any
shape
Aluminium is the most commonly used metal after iron.

Extraction of Iron
Some of the ores of iron are as follows.
● Haematite – Fe2O3
● Iron pyrites – FeS2
● Magnetite – Fe3O4
● Limonite – Fe2O3.3H2O
● Copper pyrites – CuFeS2

Various forms of iron:

Cast iron or pig iron – Least purest form of iron. It is brittle and cannot be hammered. It contains 2.2 to
4.4% of carbon.
Steel – It comes in between cast iron and wrought iron. It is malleable, and it contains 0.25 to 2% of
carbon.
Wrought iron – The purest form of iron. It is malleable, and it contains 0.1 to 0.25% of carbon.
Extraction of cast iron
Following reactions take place in the blast furnace.
Zone of combustion
C + O2 → CO2
CO2 + C → 2CO
Zone of reduction
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
FeO +CO → Fe + CO2
Zone of slag formation
CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3 (fusible slag)
Zone of fusion
Molten iron is heavier than molten slag. The two liquids are periodically tapped off. The molten iron
tapped off from the furnace is solidified into blocks called ‘pigs’.

Steel
Steel is prepared from cast iron. It can be made in the following ways.
i) Directly from ore.
ii) By mixing the required amount of cast iron and wrought iron.
iii) By reducing the amount of carbon in cast iron.
iv) By adding some carbon to wrought iron

Production of Steel from Cast Iron

Acid Bessemer process
The Bessemer is lined with silica.
In the acidic Bessemer, hot air oxidises Mn. Silicon and Carbon impurities are present in the cast iron.
2Mn + O2 → 2MnO
Si + O2→ SiO2
MnO combines with SiO2 to give slag MnSiO3, which is separated. Carbon is oxidised to carbon
monoxide, which burns with a blue flame at the mouth of the converter.
When the whole of the carbon is oxidised, the blue flame suddenly stops.
The required amount of carbon is then added, usually in the form of an alloy of Fe+Mn + C, called
spiegel. This process is called spiegeleisen. Manganese steel is the resulting product. It is harder and
possesses much greater tensile strength.

Alloys of Steel

Alloys Composition

Invar 36% Ni, 64% Fe

Nickel steel 3-5% Ni, 97-95% Fe

Chrome steel 2-4% Cr, 98-96% Fe

Vanadium steel 0.2-1% V

Tungsten steel 10-20% W, 90-80% Fe

Stainless steel 12-14% Cr, 88-86% Fe or

2-4% Ni, 86-82% Fe

Heat Treatment of Steels

By proper heat treatment, the hardness and elasticity of steel can be controlled.
Tempering: Hard steel is heated to 2700°C and then allowed to cool slowly. It becomes comparatively
less hard and less brittle.
Annealing: In this process, steel is heated to redness and then allowed to cool slowly. It turns soft and
malleable. Annealing is used to reduce hardness, increase ductility and help eliminate internal stresses.
Hardening: In this process, steel is heated to redness and suddenly quenched by plunging into water or
oil. It becomes extremely hard and brittle.

Refining of Metals:
Electro-refining: The impure metal is converted into a block that forms the anode, while the cathode is
a rod or plate of pure metal. These electrodes are suspended in an electrolyte which is the solution of a
soluble salt of the metal, usually a double salt of the metal. The metal ions from the electrolyte are
deposited at the cathode in the form of pure metal when an electric current is passed. An equivalent
amount of metal dissolves from the anode and goes into the electrolyte solution as a metal ion. The
insoluble impurities settle down below the anode as anode mud. The soluble impurities present in the
crude metal anode go into the solution.
Zone refining: Usually, this method is used for preparing extremely pure metals. It is based upon the
principle that when a molten solution of the impure metal is allowed to cool, the pure metal crystallises
out, while the impurities remain in the melt. This is also known as fractional crystallisation.
Cupellation and polling: Cupellation works on the principle that noble metals do not undergo oxidation
and they are chemically unreactive. Cupellation is a refining process used when ores or metals are
present under high temperatures. The noble metals are separated from impurities using a cupel which is
a flat, porous dish. This method is also used for testing fresh metals and coin making.
Polling is used for refining metals that contain impurities of their own oxide. We use polling generally to
get rid of oxide impurities of the metal like copper oxide, CuO2 or tin oxide SnO2. In this process, a
reducing agent like diesel or natural gas reacts with copper oxide and reduces it to copper. The polling
process is done in two stages, first oxidation and then reduction.
Van Arkel method: It is the process of refining metal by converting it into its volatile compound and
then decomposing it to get pure metal. This method is used for purifying titanium. The metal is
converted to its iodide form which is highly volatile and unstable, leaving behind the impurities. The
unstable compound thus formed is decomposed to get the pure metal.
Ti(s) + 2I2(s) → TiI4(g) → Ti + 2I2(g)

Extraction of Copper
Copper is found in nature in a free and combined state. The ores are
● Copper glance: Cu2S
● Copper pyrites (Chalcopyrites): CuFeS2
● Malachite: [Cu2CO3(OH)2]
● Cuprite or Ruby copper: Cu2O
● Azurite: Cu(OH)2.2CuCO3

Extraction of copper from copper pyrites

(a) Concentration: The ore is concentrated by froth flotation.
(b) Roasting: The impurities of arsenic and antimony are removed as volatile oxides.
2CuFeS2 + O2 → Cu2S+ 2FeS + SO2
2Cu2S + 3O2 → 2Cu2O+ 2SO2
2FeS + 3O2 → 2FeO + 2SO2
(c) Smelting: Sand and coke are mixed with roasted ore. It is then smelted in a blast furnace. FeO reacts
with SiO2 and gives ferrous silicate slag. Cu2S and FeS are oxidised soon.
FeO + SiO2 → FeSiO3 (slag)
Cu2O reacts with FeS to give cuprous sulphide and FeO. Again FeO reacts with SiO 2 and gives slag
FeSiO3.
Cu2O +FeS → Cu2S + FeO
FeO + SiO2 → FeSiO3 (slag)
The slag is removed. Molten Cu2S and a small amount of FeS remain below the surface of the slag,
which is called matte. This is taken out from the furnace.
(d) Bessemerisation: Molten matte is transferred to a Bessemer converter. The Bessemer converter is a
pear-shaped furnace with the inner lining of CaO or MgO. A blast of air mixed with sand is blown
through the molten matte. The reaction is as follows:
2Cu2S +3O2 → 2Cu2O + 2SO2
Cu2S + 2Cu2O→ 6Cu + SO2
The resulting molten copper is cast into ingots. It is about 98%, pure copper. A blistered appearance is
formed due to the escape of SO2 gas during the cooling of molten copper. It is called blister copper. This
copper contains about 2% mixture of Ag, Au, Ni, Zn, Pb and Sn. etc.
(e) Refining – Polling: The blistered copper is heated in the reverberatory furnace. Cuprous oxide
present in it oxidises the impurities. The impurities of sulphur and arsenic are separated as volatile
oxides and the other impurities as slag. This copper still has the impurity of cuprous oxide. The molten
copper is then agitated with green wood bamboo. Cuprous oxide is reduced to copper by the
hydrocarbons obtained from the greenwood bamboo.
Alloys of Copper

Alloys Composition

Aluminium Bronze Cu 75-90% and Sn 25-10%

Brass Cu 60-80% and Zn 40-20%

 Bronze Cu 75-90% and Sn 25-10%

Monel metal Cu 30%, Ni 67%, Fe+Mn 3%

Gun metal Cu 87%, Sn 10%, Zn 3%

German silver Cu 50%, Zn 25%, Ni 25%

Phosphorus bronze Cu 85%, Sn 13%, P 2%

Uses of Aluminium, Copper, Zinc and Iron

Aluminium foils are used as wrappers for chocolates. The fine dust of the metal is used in paints and
lacquers. It is also used in the extraction of chromium and manganese from their oxides. Wires of
aluminium are used as electrical conductors. Alloys containing aluminium, being light, are very useful.
In the electrical industry, copper is widely used for making wires and for water and steam pipes. It is
also used in several alloys that are tougher than the metal itself, e.g., brass (with zinc), bronze (with tin)
and coinage alloy (with nickel).
Zinc is used for galvanising iron. It is also used in large quantities in batteries as a constituent of many
alloys, e.g., brass (Cu 60%, Zn 40%) and German silver (Cu 25-30%, Zn 25-30%, Ni 40–50%). Zinc
dust is used as a reducing agent in the manufacture of dye stuffs, paints, etc.
Cast iron is used for casting stoves, railway sleepers, gutter pipes, etc. It is used in the manufacture of
wrought iron and steel. Wrought iron is used in making anchors, wires, bolts, chains and agricultural
implements. Steel finds a number of uses. Alloy steel is obtained when other metals are added to it.
Nickel steel is used for making cables, automobiles and aeroplane parts, pendulums, measuring tapes,
chrome steel for cutting tools and crushing machines, and stainless steel for cycles, automobiles,
utensils, pens, etc.

Important Ores of Various Metals

Metals Ores
Manganese Pyrolusite – MnO2

Manganite – Mn(O)OH

Braunite – Mn2+Mn63+SiO12

Zinc Zinc blende – ZnS

Calamine – ZnCO3

Zincite – ZnO

Franklinite – ZnO. Fe2O3

Mercury Cinnabar – HgS

Tin Tin stone (Cassiterite) SnO2

Lead Galena – PbS

Anglesite – PbSO4

Cerussite – PbCO3
 Calcium Limestone – CaCO3

Gypsum – CaSO4 2H2O

Fluorspar – CaF2

Phosphorite – Ca3(PO4)2

Magnesium Dolomite – MgCO3 CaCO3

Magnesite – MgCO3

Epsomite – MgSO4.7H2O

Solved Examples
Question 1:
Calamine is
1) CaCO3
2) MgCO3
3) ZnCO3
4) CaCO3 + CaO
Solution:
Calamine is an ore of zinc. It is zinc carbonate ZnCO3.
Hence option 3 is the answer.
Question 2:
Extraction of metal from the ore cassiterite involves
1) Carbon reduction of an oxide ore
2) Self-reduction of a sulphide ore
3) Removal of copper impurity
4) Removal of iron impurity
5) Both (1) and (4)
Solution:
Tin is obtained by the reduction of the ore cassiterite with coal in a reverberatory furnace. Limestone is
added to produce a slag with impurities, which can be removed.
SnO2 + 2C → Sn + 2CO.
Crude tin thus obtained is contaminated with iron, lead, and other metals. Then it is remelted on an
inclined furnace. This process is called liquation. The easily fusible tin metals away and the less fusible
impurities are left behind. Molten tin is finally stirred with green poles of wood in contact with the air.
In this process, any remaining metal impurities are oxidised, forming a scum, which rises to the surface
and is removed. This process is called poling.
Hence option 5 is the answer.
Question 3:
Which one of the following statements is false?
1) During roasting, moisture is removed from the ore
2) The ore is freed from almost all non-metallic impurities
3) Calcination of ore is carried out in the absence of any blast of air
4) The concentrated zinc blende is subjected to calcination during its extraction by pyrometallurgy
5) Both (2) and (4)
Solution:
Metallic ore contains gangue particles like sand, clay, and quartz, and during extraction by
pyrometallurgy, zinc blende is subjected to roasting to remove impurities.
Hence option 5 is the answer.
Question 4:
Gallium arsenide is purified by
1) Froth floatation process
2) Van-Arkel method
3) Zone-refining method
4) Electrolytic method
Solution:
Gallium arsenide is purified by the Zone-refining method.
Hence option 3 is the answer.
Question 5:
In the froth floatation process for the purification of ores, the ore particles float because
1) They are light
2) Their surface is hydrophobic, i.e. not easily wetted by water
3) They bear electrostatic charge
4) They are insoluble
Solution:
In the froth flotation process, for the purification of ores, the ore particles float because their surface is
not easily wetted by water (hydrophobic). This method is based on the difference in the wetting
properties of ores and gangue particles with water and oil.
Hence option 2 is the answer.

Practice Problems
1. Among the following statements, the incorrect one is
1) Calamine and siderite are carbonates
2) Argentite and cuprite are oxides
3) Zinc blende and iron pyrites are sulphides
4) Malachite and azurite are ores of copper
2. The method of zone refining of metals is based on the principle of
1) Greater mobility of the pure metal than that of the impurity
2) Higher melting point of the impurity than that of the pure metal
3) Greater noble character of the solid metal than that of the impurity
4) Greater solubility of the impurity in the molten state than in the solid
3. In a mixture of PbS, Zns, and FeS2 each component is separated from the other by using the reagents
in the following sequence in the froth floatation process
1) Potassium ethyl xanthate, KCN
2) Potassium ethyl xanthate, KCN, NaOH, copper sulphate, acid
3) KCN, CuSO4, acid
4) None of the above
4. PbS can be separated from ZnS by the electrostatic separation method. The property utilised in this
method is
1) PbS is a good conductor, and ZnS is a poor conductor of electricity
2) PbS is a bad conductor, and ZnS is a good conductor of electricity
3) Both PbS and ZnS are good conductors
4) Both PbS and ZnS are bad conductors
5. Pick the incorrect statement
1) Asbestos and willemite are silicate minerals
2) Anglesite and barytes are sulphate minerals
3) Sylvine and fluorspar are halide minerals
4) Calamine and zincite are the minerals of calcium
6. Which of the following is correct?
1) Tin stone is magnetic in nature
2) Wolframite is non-magnetic in nature
3) Wolframite is FeWO4
4) Cassiterite and rutile are sulphides of the metals
7. The purpose of smelting an ore is to
1) Reduce it
2) Oxidise it
3) Obtain an alloy
4) Separate volatile impurities
8. Which of the following cannot be obtained by electrolysis of the aqueous solution of their salts?
1) Ag
2) Mg and Al
3) Cu
4) Cr
9. An ore of tin-containing FeCrO 4 is concentrated by
1) Magnetic separation
2) Froth floatation
3) Electrostatic method
4) Gravity separation
10. The purpose of smelting an ore is to
1) Reduce it
2) Oxidise it
3) Obtain an alloy
4) Separate volatile impurities

Frequently Asked Questions

Name the heat treatments of steel.
The hardness and elasticity of steel can be controlled by proper heat treatment.
Annealing, hardening and tempering are the heat treatments of steel.

Explain the Froth floatation process.

The Froth flotation process is mainly used for the concentration of sulphide ores. The particles based on
differences in the ability of air bubbles that selectively attach to specific mineral surfaces in a mineral
water slurry are separated by this method. In this method, crushed ore is suspended in water and air is
passed through suspension. To this mixture, pine oil is added so that the ore is separated from gangue
particles. The wet particles to which air bubbles are attached act as froth and float at the top, being
lighter. The froth is then skimmed off and separated from the gangue. It is dried, and then the metal is
obtained.

What is meant by the term pyrometallurgy?

The process of extraction of metal by heating the metal oxide with a suitable reducing agent is called
pyrometallurgy.

Differentiate between a mineral and an ore.

The naturally occurring inorganic compounds with uniform chemical composition and ordered atomic
arrangement are called minerals. The mineral from which metal can be extracted conveniently and
economically is called an ore. All ores are minerals, but all minerals are not ores.

Name the methods used for the vapour phase refining of impure titanium and nickel
metals.
The Van-Arkel method is used for refining titanium. The Mond process is used for refining nickel.