The process of the isolation of a metal by dissolving the ore in a suitable chemical reagent followe β Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question
Question
The process of the isolation of a metal by dissolving the ore in a suitable chemical reagent followed by precipitation of the metal by a more electropositive metal is called:
π‘ Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Identify the main metallurgical processes based on their principles. Electrometallurgy uses electrolysis, and zone refining/electrorefining are refining methods. Step 2: Hydrometallurgy involves using aqueous chemistry for the recovery of metals from ores, concentrates, and recycled materials. This includes leaching (dissolving with a reagent) followed by displacement/precipitation (often called cementation) using a more active (electropositive) metal. Step 3: Therefore, the described process is hydrometallurgy, matching option (a).