Question

Copper can he extracted by hydrometallurgy but not zinc because:

• A. Copper is comparatively less active metal as its reduction potential is high. It can be displaced from solutions of $C{u}^{2+}$ ion by more active metals.
• B. Zn displaced from solution of $Z{n}^{2+}$ ion, a more reactive metal than it, but then readily react with water forming their corresponding ions and evolve hydrogen gas.
• C. Both (A) and (B) are correct.
• D. Copper can never be extracted by hydrometallurgy.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both (A) and (B) are correct.

Hydrometallurgy involves formation of aqueous complex compounds and is used in extraction of less electro positive or less reactive metals like gold and silver.

• Copper is also comparatively less active metal as its reduction potential is high and it can be displaced from solutions of $C{u}^{2+}$ ion by more active metals.

• $Zn$ can also be displaced from solution of $Z{n}^{2+}$ ion by a more reactive metal than it, but then readily react with water forming their corresponding zinc ions and evolve hydrogen gas.