Question

Which metal can be extracted by smelting?

• A. $\mathrm{Pb}$
• B. $\mathrm{Fe}$
• C. $\mathrm{Zn}$
• D. $\mathrm{Al}$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

$\mathrm{Zn}$

Explanation for the correct options:

Smelting: Smelting is the process of extracting metal by fusing its oxide ore with carbon (C) or CO. It's done in a reverberatory furnace. During the smelting process, a substance known as flux is added, which removes non-fusible impurities as fusible slag.

Option (A), (B) and (C) are correct.

The primary purpose of smelting is to extract a metal from its ore. This includes the extraction of iron from iron ore, as well as copper and other base metals from their ores.

Extraction of $\mathrm{Zn}$ by smelting:

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{ZnO}+\mathrm{C}\to \mathrm{Zn}+\mathrm{CO} \\ 2\mathrm{ZnO}+\mathrm{C}\to 2\mathrm{Zn}+{\mathrm{CO}}_2 \\ {\mathrm{CO}}_2+\mathrm{C}\to 2\mathrm{CO} \end{gathered}$$

Extraction of $\mathrm{Pb}$ by smelting:

$\mathrm{PbO}+\mathrm{C}\to \mathrm{Pb}+\mathrm{CO}$

Extraction of $\mathrm{Fe}$ by smelting:

${\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3+3\mathrm{CO}\to 2\mathrm{Fe}+3{\mathrm{CO}}_2$

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Aluminium cannot be extracted by the smelting process because aluminium is a highly electropositive element and has a strong affinity for oxygen. Aluminium is extracted by the electrolytic method.

Therefore, options (A),(B) and (C) are correct.