Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

SECTION - I
SUBJECTIVE TYPE PROBLEMS
Problem 1: Explain the followings:
(i) Why is chalcocite roasted and not calcined in the extraction of copper?
(ii) Magnesium oxide is used for the lining of steel making furnance.
Solution : (i) Air is necessary to convert impurities such as sulphur, arsenic and antimony into volatile
oxides and for partial oxidation of the pyrite ore. Calcination does not use oxygen while
roasting is done in presence of air. Thus, roasting and not calcination is done in the
metallurgy of copper.
(ii) MgO is basic in nature. It removes acidic impurities present is cast iron used for making
steel.

MgO  SiO 2 
 MgSiO3
Slag

3MgO  P2O5 
 Mg3 (PO4 ) 2
MgO is also a refractory material as it can tolerate very high temperature of the furnace.
Problem 2 : A student suggested that the calcium should be made if CaO is reacted with Aluminium
powder. Was the student correct?
Given Gf0 (CaO) = – 604.2 kJ/mol
 Gf0 (Al2O3) = –1582 kJ/mol
Solution : 2Al + 3CaO Al2O3 + 3Ca

G° = G of (Al2O3) – 3 G of (CaO)

–1582 – 3  (–604.2) = –1582.0 + 1812.6 = + 130.6

G° = +ve  reaction is non spontaneous hence not possible. So student was wrong.
Problem 3 : When the ore haematite is burnt in air with coke around 2000°C along with lime, the
process not only produces steel, but also produces a silicate slag that is useful in
making building material such as cement. Discuss the same and show through
balanced chemical equation.

Solution : Haematite ( (Fe 2O3 ) on burning with coke and lime at 2000°C results in following:

C  O 2 
 CO2 ; CO 2  C 
 2CO

3CO  Fe 2O3 
 2Fe  3CO 2
(Steel)

SiO 2  CaO 
 CaSiO3
(lime) (slag)

CaSiO3 (slag) is used as the building material.

 Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

Problem 4 : Cinnabar (HgS) and galena (PbS) on roasting often gives their respective metals but
zinc blende (ZnS) does not. Explain.
Solution : On roasting all these sulphides ores are partly converted into their respective oxides. Since
the oxides of Hg and Pb are unstable. While that of zinc is stable, therefore, oxides of Hg
and Pb bring about the reduction of their sulphides to metals, but zinc oxides does not reduce
ZnS to Zn metal

HgS + 2HgO   3Hg + SO
2
unstable


PbS + 2PbO   3Pb + SO
unstable 2

X 3Zn +SO2
ZnS + 2ZnO 
(stable)

Problem 5 : Explain the following:

(i) Partial roasting of sulphide ore is done in the metallurgy of copper.
(ii) Zinc and hot copper is used for the recovery of silver from complex [Ag(CN)2]–.
(iii)In the metallurgy of iron, lime-stone is added to the ore.
Solution : (i) The concentrated ore is roasted in reverberatory furnance in a current of air. The
volatile impurities such as free sulphur, arsenic and antimony are removed as volatile
oxides and the ore is partially oxidized.

4As  3O 2 
 2As 2O3 ; 4Sb  3O 2 
 2Sb2 O3 ; S  O 2 
 SO 2

2CuFeS2  O 2 
 Cu 2S  2FeS  SO 2

2CuFeS2 O 2 
 Cu 2S  2FeS  SO 2

2Cu 2S  3O2 
 2Cu 2 O  2SO 2

A mixture of sulphides and oxides is formed. The Cu 2O so formed reacts with

unconverted Cu 2S to form copper..

Cu 2S  2Cu 2O 
 6Cu  SO 2
(ii) Zinc is cheaper as well as stronger reducing agent in comparison to copper.

Zn  2[Ag(CN) 2 ]– 
 2Ag  [Zn(CN) 4 ]2–

(iii) Lime stone is added as a flux. It is decomposed in the furnace into CaO and CO 2 . CaO
reacts with gangue silica and forms infusible stag, CaSiO3 .

CaCO3 
 CaO  CO 2

CaO  SiO2 
 CaSiO3
Slag
Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

Problem 6 : Copper pyrites, CuFeS2, is the important source of copper. 10g of it was leached with
dil. H2SO4 and solution diluted to 1 L.
(a) 10 ml of this solution required 10 ml of 0.02 M KMnO4 in acidic solution
(b) 10 ml of this solution was treated with excess of KI and liberated iodine required
10 ml of 0.02 M hypo solution. What is percentage of Cu and Fe in copper pyrites?
Solution : CuFeS2 + 2H2SO4 CuSO4 + FeSO4 + 2H2S
(a) Equivalent of Fe+2 º equivalent of KMnO4
10  N = 10  0.02  5  10–3
 N = 0.1N
Strength = Normality  equivalent wt. = 0.1  56 = 5.6 gm/ litre
% of Fe+2 = 56%
(b) CuSO4 + 4KI Cu2I2 + 2K2SO4 + I2
Equivalent of Cu+2 = equivalent of I2 = equivalent of Na2S2O3
Equivalent of Cu+2 in 10 ml = 10  0.02  1  10–3
Equivalent of Cu+2 in 1000 ml = 100  10  0.02  10–3 = 0.02
Strength = Normality  equivalent weight

63.5
= 0.02 ´ = 12.7 g
2
or percentage of Cu = 12.7%
Problem 7 : Excess of carbon is added in zinc metallurgy. Explain.
Solution : Carbon play two roles in the metallurgy of zinc.
(a) It reduces zinc oxide to zinc.

ZnO  C 
 Zn  CO

ZnO  CO 
 Zn  CO 2

(b) It reduces CO 2 into CO, which is used as a fuel.

CO2  C 
 2CO
Problem 8: Explain the following
(a) Although Au is soluble in aqua-regia, Ag is not
(b) Zinc and hot copper is used for recovery of Ag from the complex [Ag(CN)2]–
Solution : (a) Au dissolved in aquaregia forming soluble HAuCl4 but Ag forms insoluble AgCl
Au + 4HCl + 3HNO3  HAuCl4 + 3NO2 + 3H2O
soluble

Ag + HCl + HNO3  AgCl + NO2 + H2O

insoluble
(b) zinc is powerful reducing agent in comparison to copper and zinc is cheaper also than
copper.
 Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

Problem 9 : (a) MgO is used for the lining in steel making furnace.
(b) Which of the metals Na, Ag and Fe are extracted by
(i) Complex formation
(ii) Reduction with carbon
(iii) Electrolysis of fused salts
Solution : (a) Magnesium oxide acts as a flux to remove impurities of Si, P and S through slag formation

MgO  SiO 2  MgSiO3 


3MgO  P2 O5  Mg3 (PO4 ) 2  Slag
MgO  SO 2  MgSO3 

(b) (i) Ag, (ii) Fe, (iii) Na
Problem 10 : Explain the following :
(a) Aluminium metal is frequently used as a reducing agent for extraction of metal
such as chromium manganese etc.
(d) Partial roasting of sulphide ore is done in the metallurgy of copper.
Solution : (a) Auminium metal is frequently used as a reducing agent for the extraction of metals.
Such as Cr and Mn from their respective oxides because aluminium is more
electropositive than Cr or Mn. The process of reduction is called alumino thermy.
Cr2O3 + 2Al  Al2O3 + 2Cr
3Mn3O4 + 8Al 4Al2O3 + 9 Mn
(b) Partial roasting of sulphide ore forms some oxide. The oxide then reduces the remaining
sulphide ore into metal.
2CuS + 3O2 2CuO + 2SO2
2CuO + CuS  3Cu+ + SO2
Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

SECTION - II
SINGLE CHOICE PROBLEMS
Problem 1: Electrolytic bath electrolytic refining of lead contains
(a) H2SiF6 only
(b) PbSiF6 only
(c) H2SiF6 in presence gelatin
(d) H2SiF6 and PbSiF6 in presence of gelatin
Solution : H2SiF6 and PbSiF6 in presence of gelatin.
(d)
Problem 2 : The process of producing a hard coating of iron nitride on the surface of steel is called
(a) Annealing (b) Quenching
(c) Tempering (d) Nitriding
Solution : Nitriding
(d)
Problem 3 : The main function of roasting is
(a) to remove the volatile impurities (b) oxidation of metal
(c) reduction of metal (d) to make slag
Solution : To remove the volatile impurities
(a)
Problem 4 : Thomas slag is -
(a) Ca 3(PO4)2 (b) MnSiO3
(c) CaSiO3 (d) FeSiO3
Solution : Ca 3(PO4)2
(a)
Problem 5 : The material used in semiconductors
(a) Si (b) Sn
(c) Ti (d) Cs
Solution : Si
(a)
Problem 6 : Which of the following is manufactured by Siemens Martin process?
(a) Pig iron (b) Cast iron
(c) wrought iron (d) steel
Solution : Steel
(d)
Problem 7 : Bordeaux mixture is
(a) CuSO4 +MgSO4 (b) FeSO4 + CuSO4
(c) CuSO4 and lime (d) NiSO4 + lime
Solution : CuSO4 and lime
(c)
 Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

Problem 8 : Which method of purification is represented by the following equation

o o
Ni + 4CO  70 C Ni(CO)4 180 C  Ni + 4CO
(a) van Arkel (b) zone refining
(c) mond process (d) cupellation
Solution : Mond’s process
(c)
Problem 9 : Zone refining is a method to obtain
(a) Very high temperature (b) Ultra pure Al
(c) Ultra pure metal (d) Ultra pure oxides
Solution : Ultra pure metal
(c)
Problem 10 : Calcination is used in metallurgy to remove
(a) H2O and H2S (b) H2O and CO2
(c) CO2 and H2S (d) H2O and H2S
Solution : CO2 and H2S
(c)
Problem 11 : Duralumin is an alloy of
(a) Al and Mg (b) Al, Mg, Ni
(c) Al, Mg, Mn, Cu (d) Al and Ni
Solution : Al, Mg, Mn, Cu
(c)
Problem 12 : The molten mattle obtained after the treatment of copper pyrites in the blast furnace, has
the composition of –
(a) Cu2S (b) Cu2S + FeS
(c) Cu2S + Fe2S3 (d) CuS + Fe2S3
Solution : Cu2S and FeS
(b)
Problem 13 : Bromine is added to cold dilute aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The mixture is boiled.
Which of the following statements is not true?
(a) During the reaction bromine is present in four different oxidation states.
(b) The greatest difference between the different oxidation states of bromine is 5.
(c) On acidification of the final mixture, bromine is formed
(d) Disproportionation of bromine occurs during the reaction
Solution : During the reaction bromine is present in four different oxidation states
(a)
Problem 14 : Stainless steel contains -
(a) Fe, Cr, Cu (b) Fe, Cr, Ni
(c) Fe, Ni, C (d) Fe, Ni, Cu
Solution : Fe, Cr, N
(b)
Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

SECTION - III
MULTIPLE CHOICE PROBLEMS
Problem 1: During the extraction of Ag and Au using a KCN solution, cyanide ions react with metal ions
as
(a) a reducing agent (b) a complexing agent
(c) an oxidizing agent (d) a Lewis acid
Solution : Reducing agent and complexing agent

Ag 2S  4KCN 2NaAg(CN) 2  Na 2S
complex

Ans. (a, b, c)
Problem 2: Which of the following statements are correct in connection with the extraction of silver?
(a) Silver is obtained as a by–product in the extraction of copper, lead and zinc.
(b) Silver is obtained from the anode slime formed in the electrolytic refining of copper and
zinc.
(c) Zinc is used to extract silver by solvent extraction from molten lead in Parke’s process.
(d) none of these
Solution : All are correct
Ans. (a, b, c)
Problem 3: Which of the following minerals contain aluminium?
(a) Fluorspar (b) Felspar
(c) Mica (d) Carborundum
Solution : Felspar (KAl Si3O8)
Mica (Al2O3. 2SiO2. 2H2O)
Ans. (b, c)
Problem 4: Which metals cannot be obtained by electrolysis of their aqueous salt solutions.
(a) Ag (b) Mg
(c) Cu (d) Al.
Solution : (Mg and Al)
And. (b, d)
Problem 5: Froth floatation process is based on
(a) specific gravity of the ore particle
(b) magnetic properties of the ore particle
(c) wetting properties of the ore particle
(d) electrical property of the ore particle
Solution : Wetting properties of the ore particle
Ans. (c)
 Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

Problem 6: The iron manufactured by pudding process is called as

(a) Pig iron (b) cast iron
(c) wrought iron (d) white cast iron
Solution : Wrought iron
Ans. (c)
Problem 7: Which of the following is a highly deliquescent solid?
(a) FeCl3 (b) FeSO4
(c) CuSO4 (d) none of these
Solution : FeCl3, FeSO4 and CuSO4
Ans. (a, b, c)
Problem 8: Potassium manganate (K2MnO4) is formed when
(a) Chlorine is passed through aqueous KMnO4 solution.
(b) Manganese dioxide is fused with potassium hydroxide in air.
(c) Formaldehyde reacts with potassium permanganate in presence of strong alkali.
(d) Potassium permanganate reacts with H2SO4.
Solution : 2 MnO2 + 4KOH + O2 2K2MnO4 + 2H2O
2KMnO4 + 2 KOH + HCHO  HCOOH + 2K2MnO4 + H2O
Ans. (b, c)
Problem 9: The elements which exists in the liquid state at room temperature are
(a) Na (b) Br
(c) Hg (d) Ga
Solution : Br, Hg, Ga
Ans. (b, c, d)
Problem 10: Which of the following oxides are amphoteric?
(a) Na 2O (b) CaO
(c) Al2O3 (d) SnO2
Solution : Al2O3 and SnO2 are amphoteric oxides.
Ans. (c, d)
Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

MISCELLANEOUS PROBLEMS
SECTION - IV
COMPREHENSION TYPE PROBLEMS

Write up – I
The matte obtained from smelting is transferred to a Bessemer converter. Some sand (silica) is added
and a blast of air is blown through the molten mass. The Bessemer converter is usually a pear shaped
steel vessel lined with magnesite and ghartz. It is filled with air blast tuyeres and mounted in such a
way that it can be tilted in he desired direction

Problem 1 : Copper metal obtained from Bessemer converter is known as :

(a) Pitch copper (b) Pig copper
(c) Matte (d) Blister copper
Solution : Bliser copper
Ans. (d)
Problem 2 : Bessemer converter is used in the manufacture of :
(a) Pig iron (b) Wrought iron
(c) Cast iron (d) Steel
Solution : Steel
Ans. (d)
Problem 3 : Which of the following reaction does not occur in Bessemer converter :
(a) FeO + SiO2  FeSiO3
(b) 2Cu2O + Cu2S  2 6 Cu + SO2
(c) CuCO3·Cu(OH)2  2CuO + CO2 + H2O
(d) 2Cu2S + 3O2  2Cu2O + 2SO2
Solution : Reaction (c) does not occur in bessemer converter
Ans. (c)

Write up – II
Cyanide process is the modern process for the extraction of silver. The process is also called as
Mac–Arthur and Forest process. It is bases on two points.
(i) Silver compounds dissolve in sodium cyanide solution forming a complex salt, in presence of air.
(ii) Silver is precipitated from this complex salt by the adding of zinc.

Problem 4 : Ag2S + NaCN  [A]

[A] + Zn  [B]
[B] is a metal. Hence, [A] and [B] are :
(a) Na2[Zn(CN)4], Zn (b) Na[Ag(CN)2], Ag
(c) Na2[Ag(CN)4], Ag (d) Na3[Ag(CN)4], Ag
 Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

Solution : Ag 2S  4NaCN 2NaAg(CN) 2  Na 2S

2NaAg(CN) 2  Zn 
 2Ag  Na 2 Zn(CN) 4
Black ppt

Ans. (b)
Problem 5 : Cyanide process is also known as :
(a) Roasting (b) Leaching
(c) Aluminothermic process (d) Calcination
Solution : Leaching
Ans. (b)
Problem 6 : Which of following process is reversible in cyanide process used in extraction of silver?
(a) formation of sodium argentocyanide (b) formation of sodium zinc cyanide
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) none of these

Solution : Ag 2S  4NaCN 2NaAg(CN) 2  Na 2S

Ans. (a)

MATCHING TYPE PROBLEM

7. Column (I) Column (II)

(a) Magnesite (p) Ore of magnesium
(b) Dolomite (q) Ore of aluminium
(c) Corundum (r) Oxide ore
(d) Bauxite (s) Carbonate ore
Sol. Magnesite : MgCO3
Dolomite : CaCO3.MgCO3
Corundum : Al2O3
Bauxite : Al2O3.2H2O
Ans. (a) — (p, s) (b) — (p, s)
(c) — (q, r) (d) — (q, r)
Chemistry : Ores and Metallurgy

ASSERTION-REASON TYPE PROBLEMS

The question given below consist of an ASSERTION and the REASON. Use the following key for the
appropriate answers
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is not the correct explanation for
Assertion
(c) If Assertion is correct but Reason is not correct.
(d) If Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct.
8. Assertion : Zinc and not copper is used in the recovery of Ag from the complex [Ag(CN)2]-.
Reason : Zinc is a powerful reducing agent than copper.
Solution : Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
Recovery of silver is based on the fact that more electropositive metal can displace less
electropositive metal can displace less electropositive metal from its salt solution.
Ans. (a)
9. Assertion : Magnesium oxide is used for the lining in steel making furnance.
Reason : Magnesium oxide acts as a flux to remove impurities of Si, P and S through slag formation.
Solution : Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
Ans. (a)
10.Assertion : Elements of alkali metal group are strong reducing agent.
Reason : Alkali metals are mainly in the form of chloride, carbonates, suphates and nitrates.
Solution : Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
The members of group I i.e. alkali metals have low ionization potential and thus posses high
electropositive character as well as high oxidation potential which enables them to get easily
oxidized.
Ans. (b)