Name the ore of mercury with the help of balance chemical equation explain the process of extraction of mercury from its ore
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Mercury and copper, which belong to the least reactivity series, are often found in the form of their sulphide ores. Cinnabar (HgS) is the ore of mercury. Copper glance (Cu2S) is the ore of copper.
Extraction of mercury metal: Cinnabar (HgS) is first heated in air. This turns HgS [mercury sulphide or cinnabar] into HgO (mercury oxide); by liberation of sulphur dioxide.
Mercury oxide so obtained is again heated strongly. This reduces mercury oxide to mercury metal.
2HgS + 3O2 ⇨ 2HgO + 2SO2
2HgO ⇨ 2Hg + O2
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