In the froth floatation process the collectors such as pine oils and xanthates etc. enhance

Options

A. Non-wettability of the mineral particles in froth
B. Non-wettability of the mineral particles in water
C. Non-wettability of the gangue particles in froth.
D. Non-wettability of the gangue particles in water

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Froth Flotation Process**: The froth flotation process is a method used for separating hydrophobic materials from hydrophilic ones. It is commonly used in the extraction of metals from their ores, particularly sulfide ores.

2. **Role of Collectors**: Collectors, such as pine oils and xanthates, are added to the flotation process. Their primary role is to enhance the hydrophobicity of the mineral particles. This means they make the mineral particles less likely to interact with water and more likely to attach to air bubbles.

3. **Hydrophobic vs. Hydrophilic**: In this process, the mineral particles (which are usually sulfide ores) are preferentially wetted by the oil (hydrophobic), while the gangue particles (impurities) are preferentially wetted by water (hydrophilic).

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1**: Claims that collectors enhance the non-wettability of mineral particles in froth. This is incorrect because the collectors enhance the hydrophobicity of the mineral particles, allowing them to float.
- **Option 2**: States that collectors enhance the non-wettability of mineral particles in water. This is correct, as the collectors make the mineral particles less wettable by water.
- **Option 3**: Suggests that collectors enhance the non-wettability of gangue particles in froth. This is incorrect because gangue particles are more water-loving and do not float.
- **Option 4**: Claims that collectors enhance the non-wettability of gangue particles in water. This is also incorrect, as collectors do not enhance the non-wettability of gangue particles; they enhance the wettability of gangue particles in water.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is **Option 2**, which states that collectors enhance the non-wettability of the mineral particles in water.

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