Parkes' process is a desilverization technique used to extract trace amounts of Silver from Argentif — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question
Question
Parkes' process is a desilverization technique used to extract trace amounts of Silver from Argentiferous Lead. Which physicochemical principle makes the addition of molten Zinc to the impure lead bath so effective for this separation?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
Parkes' process relies on liquid-liquid extraction (partition coefficients). Molten Zinc and molten Lead do not mix (they are immiscible). However, Silver is approximately 3000 times more soluble in molten Zinc than in Lead. The Silver selectively migrates into the lighter Zinc layer floating on top, which is then skimmed off.
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