Question

Froth floatation process is used for the concentration of

• A. oxide ores
• B. sulphide ores
• C. chloride ores
• D. amalgams

Answer 1

The correct option is B

sulphide ores

The Explanation for correct answer:-

option (B) Sulphide ores:

1. The froth flotation method is used only for selected materials which are hydrophobic in order to separate them from hydrophilic materials.
2. Now since we know that Sulphides ores are hydrophobic, that is they don't have affection towards the water.
3. The pine oil which is used. selectively wets the sulphide ores in order to bring up the froth, the ores then get wet by the oil and gangues with water.

The explanation for the incorrect answer:-

option (A) Oxide ores:

1. The pine oil has a tendency to wet only sulphide ores, thus oxide ores are not used.

option (C) Chloride ores:

1. The process of froth floatation is used to separate hydrophobic materials from hydrophilic
2. Since chloride ores have an affinity towards water, hence they cannot be separated, and thus is not used.

option (D) Amalgams:

1. The process of froth floatation is only used for the concentration of sulphide ores, not amalgams(alloys of Mercury).
2. Hence incorrect option.

Therefore, the froth floatation process is used for the concentration of option (B) Sulphide ores.