Question

How is silver extracted from its ore?Explain the process with relevant equations.

Answer 1

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Table of contentsExtraction of Silver by cyanide process and its usesSilver also occurs both in combined state as well as in free state. The important ores of silver are: Argentite (Ag2S), Copper silver glance, Horn silver, Ruby silver. The silver ores are found along with gold ores in some parts of India.ExtractionSilver is extracted from the ore-argentite (Ag2SAg2S). The process of extraction of silver is called as cyanide process as sodium cyanide solution is used. The ore is crushed, concentrated and then treated with sodium cyanide solution. This reaction forms sodium argento cyanide Na[Ag(CN)2]Na[Ag(CN)2].AgS+4NaCN⇌2Na[Ag(CN)2]+Na2SAgS+4NaCN⇌2Na[Ag(CN)2]+Na2SThe solution of sodium argento cyanide combines with zinc dust and forms sodium tetra cyanozicate and precipitated silver. This precipitated silver is called spongy silver.Zn+2Na[Ag(CN)2]→Na2[Zn(CN)4]+2AgZn+2Na[Ag(CN)2]→Na2[Zn(CN)4]+2AgThe spongy silver is fused with potassium nitrate to obtain pure silver. Then the silver obtained is purified by electrolytic process.may be this is correct you can rely on this 

Answer 2

Silver is extracted from the ore-argentite (Ag2SAg2S). The process of extraction of silver is called as cyanide process as sodium cyanide solution is used. The ore is crushed, concentrated and then treated with sodium cyanide solution. This reaction forms sodium argento cyanide Na[Ag(CN)2]

AgS+4NaCN⇌2Na[Ag(CN)2]+Na2S