The principal ore of lead is

Options

A. galena
B. anglesite
C. cerussite
D. None of these.

Answer

A

Explanation

Galena, natural lead `(II)` sulphide, `PbS`, is the principal ore of lead. It is a heavy crystalline mineral of metallic appearance. It is use as a semiconductor in crystal rectifiers. Anglesite `(PbSO_(4))` and cerussite `(PbCO_(3))` are less important ores of lead.
There are two methods of extracting the element :
(i) Roast in air to give `PbO` and then reduce with coke or `CO` in a blast furnace:
`PbS+3O_(2)overset(Delta)rarrSO_(2)+2PbOoverset(+C)rarr2Pb(l)+CO_(2)(g)`
(ii) `Pbs` is partially oxidized by heating and blowing air through it. After sometime, the air is turned off and heating is continued, and the mixture undergoes self-reduction.
`3PbSunderset("Air")overset(Delta)rarrPbS+2PbOunderset("Without air")overset(Delta)rarr3Pb(l)+SO_(2)(g)`