Question

Why extraction of zinc from zinc oxide involve process of rapid chilling

Answer 1

Dear student

Zinc oxide which is obtained by roasting of sulphide ore , 2ZnS + 3O₂ --> 2ZnO + 2SO₂ is mixed with powdered coke and heated to 1673K in a fire clay retort to produce Zn metal as; ZnO + C --> Zn +CO
In a method proposed by L. J. Derham there is a rapid chilling involved in the extraction of zinc from zinc oxide.
This is done using a spray of molten lead droplets to rapidly chill and absorb the zinc vapour, despite the high concentration of carbon dioxide. The mixture is then cooled, where the zinc separates from the lead.

Thus primarily for the separation of lead as impurity, and obtaining good yield pf zinc, the rapid cooling is done.

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