Define amalgamation. Discuss its use in the purification of gold and silver. Can Fe be purified by this method ?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Text Solution

**Step 1: Define Amalgamation**
Amalgamation is a process used to extract metals from their ores by mixing them with mercury. In this process, the metal forms an amalgam with mercury, which can then be separated from the other impurities. This method is particularly useful for the extraction of precious metals like gold and silver.

**Step 2: Use of Amalgamation in Purification of Gold and Silver**
In the purification of gold and silver, amalgamation involves the following steps:
- **Formation of Amalgam:** When gold or silver ores are mixed with mercury, the metals dissolve in the mercury to form a liquid amalgam. This occurs because gold and silver have a strong affinity for mercury.
...