. Zinc is the metal which lies in the middle of the
activity series. This metal is extracted from its
sulphide ore. Outline the steps involved in the
process of extraction of zinc metal with the help of
balanced chemical equation for each step.
Answers
SICE ZINC LIES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REACTIVITY SERIES IT EXISTS AS ITS CARBONATE(ZnCO₃) OR ITS SULPHIDE(ZnS). ZINC CARBONATE OR ZINC SULPHIDE IS CONVERTES TO ZINC OXIDE(ZnO) BECAUSE EXTRACTION OF METALS FROM THEIR OXIDES IS MUCH EASIER.
THE CARBONATE i.e., THE ZINC CARBONATE IS CONVERTED TO ZINC OXIDE BY PROCESS OF CALCINATION( BURNING IN THE PRESENCE OF LIMITED AIR).
ZnCO₃ +HEAT → ZnO+ CO₂
THE SULPHIDE i.e., ZINC SULPHIDE IS CONVERTED INTO ZINC OXIDE BY THE PROCESS OF ROASTING ( BURNING IN THE PRESENCE OF EXCESS AIR).
2ZnS + 3O₂ → 2ZnO+ 2SO₂
ZINC OXIDE IS REDUCED TO OBTAIN ZINC BY MAKING IT TO REACT WITH REDUCING AGENTS LIKE CARBON.
ZnO + C→ Zn + CO
OR ELSE MORE REACTIVE METALS LIKE SODIUM , CALCIUM OR ALUMINIUM CAN BE USED TO OBTAIN ZINC FROM ITS OXIDE IN PLACE OF CARBON.THE METAL THEN OBTAINED WILL BE IN THE MOLTEN FORM SINCE THESE REACTIONS ARE HIGHLY EXOTHERMIC IN NATURE.