Home
Class 12
CHEMISTRY
Copper can be extracted by hydrometallur...

Copper can be extracted by hydrometallurgy but not zinc. Explain.

Text Solution

Verified by Experts

The `E^(ɵ)` of zinc `((Zn^(2+))/(Zn)=-0.76V)` or iron `((Fe^(2+))/(Fe)=-0.44V)` is less than that of copper `((Cu^(2+))/(Cu)=+0.34V)` and hence both zinc and iron can displace copper from solution of `Cu^(2+)` ions. Although zinc is a stronger reducing agent than iron, yet iron scrap is chiefly used in hydrometallurgy of copper because it is much cheaper than
Zinc.
`Fe+Cu^(2+)toFe^(2+)+Cu_(s)`
In contrast, to replace zinc from solution of `Zn^(2+)` ions, a more reactive metal than zinc is required, i.e., Al or Ca. But all these metals react with water
`(2H_2O+2e^(ɵ)toH_(2(g))+2overset(ɵ)(O)H_(aq):E^@-0.83V)`
Forming their corresponding ions with the evolutions of hydrogen gas. Although Al, Mg etc. Cannot be used to displace zinc from solution of `ZN^(2+)` ions. Thus, copper, can be extracted by hydrometallurgy but not zinc.
Doubtnut Promotions Banner Mobile Dark
|

Topper's Solved these Questions

  • APPENDIX INORGANIC VOLUME 2

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Short Answer Type|179 Videos
  • APPENDIX INORGANIC VOLUME 2

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Short Answer Type|179 Videos
  • ALIPHATIC AND AROMATIC ALDEHYDES AND KETONES

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Archives Subjective|26 Videos
  • AROMATIC COMPOUNDS AND ALKYL AND ARYL HALIDES

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Archives Subjective Type|4 Videos

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

Copper can be extracted by hydrometallurgy but not zinc because

Silver is extracted by hydrometallurgy.

Knowledge Check

  • Copper is extracted from its ore by

    A
    electrolytic reduction
    B
    auto reduction
    C
    cyanide process
    D
    magnetic separation.
  • Copper is extracted from its ore by

    A
    electrolytic reduction
    B
    auto reduction
    C
    cyanide process
    D
    magnetic separation.
  • Copper is extracted from its ore by

    A
    electrolytic reduction
    B
    auto reduction
    C
    cyanide process
    D
    magnetic separation.
  • Similar Questions

    Explore conceptually related problems

    How many metals are commercially extracted by hydrometallurgy from the given metals : Ag, Mn, In, Cr,Pb,Au .

    Assertion : Hydrometallurgy involves dissolving the ore in a suitable reagent followed by precipitation by a more electropositive metal. Reason : Copper is extracted by hydrometallurgy.

    Which of the following can be obatined by hydrometallurgy

    Hydrometallurgy is useful in the extraction of

    Give one example where hydrometallurgy is used for metal extraction?