Question

what is galena and how is it extracted from its ore?

Answer 1

Dear student!
Galena is itself a main ore of lead which is chemically a sulphide of lead PbS from which the lead is extracted as follows:

1.Concentration: The finely powdered PbS is concentrated by froth floatation method.

2. Reduction via roasting process : The concentrated ore is heated in air to produce lead oxide and lead sulphate

2PbS + 3O₂ --> 2PbO + 2SO₂

PbS + 2O₂ --> PbSO₄

3.Smelting: Roasted ore is mixed with coke and lime and smelted in a blast furnace where impure lead is obtained.

PbO + C -> Pb + CO

PbO + CO -> Pb + CO₂

4. Purification : Now the impure lead is purified by electrolysis.