The process(es) by which lighter earthy particles are freed from the heavier particles using water i — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Zinc blende is zinc sulfide (ZnS). Step 2: First, ZnS is concentrated by froth floatation and then roasted in the presence of excess air to convert it into zinc oxide (ZnO): 2ZnS + 3O2 -> 2ZnO + 2SO2. Subsequently, ZnO is reduced to metallic zinc by heating it with coke (carbon) at a high temperature (around 1400°C): ZnO + C -> Zn + CO. Step 3: Therefore, the extraction is achieved by roasting followed by reduction with carbon, which corresponds to option (b).