Question

Name the main ore of mercury.how is mercury obtained from its ore? give balanced chemical equation

Answer 1

Mercury is obtained from its sulphide ore called cinnabar, HgS which is actually mercury(ii) sulphide.
The following steps are involved in its extraction:
1. mercury ore is roasted
2HgS(s) + 3 o2 (g) -----> 2HgO (s ) + 2 SO2 (g)
2. when this mercury oxide is heated at about 300 degrees Celsius , it decomposes to form mercury metal.
2HgO (s) ------> 2Hg (l) + o2(g)

Answer 2

Mercury is obtained from its sulphide ore called cinnabar, HgS which is actually mercury(ii) sulphide.

The following steps are involved in its extraction:

1. mercury ore is roasted

   2HgS(s) + 3 o2 (g) -----> 2HgO (s ) + 2 SO2 (g)

2. when this mercury oxide is heated at about 300 degrees Celsius , it decomposes to form mercury metal.

   2HgO (s) ------> 2Hg (l) + o2(g)