Question

How is zinc extracted from its ore ?

Answer 1

if Zn is in form of-

zinc sulphide, use method 1

zinc carbonate, use method 2

finally both give same answer

Answer 2

Answer :

The process used to obtain metal in free state from concentrated ores is called extraction. The extraction of metals involves the following two chemical processes.

(1) Conversion of ore into metal oxide.

(2) Reduction of metal oxide to the free metal.

Roasting :  It is process of converting an ore into its metallic oxide by heating strongly at temperature insufficient to melt in excess of air.

The balanced chemical reaction will be,

$2ZnS+3O_2\rightarrow 2ZnO+2SO_2$

Reduction :  Roasting is followed by reduction that means (heating) with coke to obtain metal.

The balanced chemical reaction will be,

$ZnO+C\rightarrow Zn+CO$

By using electrolytic refining process, the purification of extracted metal can be done.