Question

Which of the following methods of concentration is inappropriate for an oxide ore?

• A. Magnetic separation
• B. Froth floatation
• C. Gravity separation
• D. Chemical separation

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Froth floatation

The explanation for correct answer:

Froth floatation:

• It is based on the principle of the difference in the wetting properties of the ore and gangue particles with the water and oil.
• Example: Froth floatation process is used for the metallurgy of Sulphide ores

The explanation for incorrect answer:

Magnetic separation:

• It is the process that is used for the magnetic separation to separate non-magnetic materials from those that are magnetic.
• Example: It is used for the metallurgy of Magnetite $\left({\mathrm{Fe}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_4\right)$and Hematite $\left({\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$ i.e. oxide ore.

Gravity separation process:

• It is based on the difference between the densities of the ore particle and gangue.
• Example: Gravity separation process is used for the concentration of hematite $\left({\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$ i.e. oxide ore.

Chemical separation:

• it is used when the ore is soluble in a solvent.
• Example: Leaching is used for separation of Bauxite ore $\left({\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3.2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$i.e. oxide ore.

Hence the correct answer is (B)