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Which of the following processes is primarily used for the refining of metals like zinc and lead which have low boiling points?
Electrolytic refining
Distillation
Liquation
Zone refining
Distillation
Distillation is a purification process used for metals that have low boiling points, such as zinc, cadmium, and mercury. In this method, the impure metal is heated to its boiling point to vaporize it, leaving behind non-volatile impurities, after which the metal vapor is condensed back into a pure liquid form.
Distillation is a purification process used for metals that have low boiling points, such as zinc, cadmium, and mercury. In this method, the impure metal is heated to its boiling point to vaporize it, leaving behind non-volatile impurities, after which the metal vapor is condensed back into a pure liquid form.
Think of boiling a mixture of water and sand; the water turns into steam (distills) and leaves the solid sand behind in the container.
TbтАЛ тАФ Boiling point temperature
The principle relies on the difference between the boiling points of the metal and its impurities. When the mixture is heated, the volatile metal converts into vapor while high-melting impurities remain in the solid or liquid residue. The pure metal vapor is then collected and condensed in a separate chamber.
Distillation is highly effective for metals with low boiling points.
The process ensures high purity by separating volatile components from non-volatile matter.
Commonly used for the refinement of Zn, Cd, and Hg.
Provides high purity for low-boiling metals.
Simple process design for metals that vaporize easily.
Not suitable for metals with high boiling points due to excessive energy requirements.
Safety risks involved in handling metal vapors at high temperatures.
Refinement of Zinc
Refinement of Mercury
Refinement of Cadmium
Liquation is used for metals with low melting points (like Tin).
Electrolytic refining is used for copper and nickel.
Zone refining is used for high-purity semiconductors like Germanium and Silicon.
B is correct тАФ Distillation is the process used for metals with low boiling points because they can be easily vaporized and separated from non-volatile impurities.
Always remember the pairing: low melting point metals use Liquation (e.g., Sn), while low boiling point metals use Distillation (e.g., Zn).