The process of isolation of metals by dissolving the ore in a suitable chemical reagent followed by precipitation of the metal by a more electropositive metal is called

Options

A. Electrometallurgy
B. Hydrometallurgy
C. Electro refining
D. Zone refining

Answer

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

1. **Understanding the Process**: The question describes a method of isolating metals from their ores. This involves two main steps: dissolving the ore in a chemical reagent and then precipitating the metal using a more electropositive metal.

2. **Example of the Process**: A common example is the extraction of silver from its ore, argentite (Ag2S). When argentite reacts with sodium cyanide (NaCN), it forms a soluble complex called sodium diaminocyanosilver(I).

3. **Precipitation of the Metal**: After forming the soluble complex, a more electropositive metal, such as zinc (Zn), is introduced. Zinc displaces silver from the complex due to its higher electropositivity, leading to the precipitation of silver metal.

4. **Naming the Process**: The entire process described, which involves the dissolution of the ore and subsequent precipitation of the metal, is known as **hydrometallurgy**.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the answer to the question is that the process of isolation of metals by dissolving the ore in a suitable chemical reagent followed by precipitation of the metal by a more electropositive metal is called **hydrometallurgy**.

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