Question

(a) Name two metals which are found in free state in nature.
(b) What chemical process is used for extracting a metal from its oxide ore? Name one metal which is extracted by this method.
​(c) Describe the extraction of zinc metal from its sulphide ore as well as its carbonate ore. Write equations of all the reactions involved.

Answer 1

Gold & Silver are Found in Free State

Explanation:

a.) Gold and Silver are metals found in free state in nature.

b.) Reduction Process is used for extracting a metal from its oxide ore.  

Iron is extracted by this method.

$Fe_2O_3 + Al \geq Al_2O_3 + Fe$

c.) In the extraction of zinc metal from sulphide Ore  or crabonate ore -

There are 2 phases -

1.) Concentration of Ore

2.) Calcination (Limited Supply of Oxygen)

$ZnCO_3 \geq ZnO + CO_2$

$ZnO + C \geq Zn + CO$

3.) Refining

d.) Sulphide Ores -

a.) The concentration of Ore

b.) Roasting (Excessive supply of Oxygen)

$ZnS + O_2 \geq ZnO + SO_2$

$ZnO + C \geq Zn + CO$

c.) Refining