Question

Sulfide ores are common for the metals (A) \(A g\), \(C u\) and \(P b\) (B) \(A g\), \(C u\) and \(S n\) (C) \(A g, M g\) and \(P b\) (D) \(A l, C u\) and \(P b\)

Short answer

Sulfide ores are common for the metals (A) Ag, Cu, and Pb.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding sulfide ores

Sulfide ores are ores that contain a metal element combined with sulfur. Metals commonly found in sulfide ores include silver (Ag), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), among others.

Identify common metal sulfides

Among the given options, identify which metals are commonly found as sulfides in nature. Silver is present in argentite (Ag2S), copper in chalcocite (Cu2S), and lead in galena (PbS).

Match the metals with their corresponding sulfide ores

Check each option and match the metals to their known sulfide forms: (A) contains all three metals known to form sulfides: silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb).

Select the correct answer

Since option (A) has all the metals that are known to commonly form sulfide ores, it is the correct answer.

Key concepts

Metal Sulfides Chemistry

The study of metal sulfides is pivotal in both industrial applications and academic research, especially for students preparing for competitive exams like JEE Advanced. Metal sulfides are compounds that consist of a metal atom bonded to sulfur. They occur naturally as minerals and are extracted for various purposes, including the production of metals.

Common examples of metal sulfide minerals include argentite ((Ag_2S)), which contains silver; chalcocite ((Cu_2S)), which contains copper; and galena ((PbS)), which contains lead. These minerals are valued for their metal content and for the role they play in geochemical processes. In studying metal sulfides, it's essential to understand their properties, such as insolubility in water, which makes them distinct from other ore types like oxides and carbonates.

JEE Advanced Preparation

Students aiming to ace exams like JEE Advanced must delve deep into the concepts of inorganic chemistry, which includes the chemistry of metal sulfides. Questions regarding the composition and classification of ores often appear in these competitive exams. Therefore, a clear grasp of metal ores, their respective sulfides, and other associated compounds is vital.

For effective JEE Advanced preparation, students should focus on conceptual clarity, develop problem-solving skills, and practice with previous years' question papers. Understanding the extraction and uses of different metals from their ores can significantly enhance a student's ability to tackle related problems. Integrating this knowledge with systematic study plans, such as regular revision and mock tests, forms a robust learning strategy.

Ore Extraction Methods

Extracting metals from their ores, especially sulfide ores, is a critical topic in the field of metallurgy. The extraction process typically begins with mining the ore from the earth, followed by crushing and grinding to increase the surface area for further processing.

One common extraction method is froth flotation, which separates sulfide ore particles from the waste rock or 'gangue'. Afterwards, techniques such as roasting and smelting are used to convert the metal sulfides into pure metals. Roasting involves heating the ore in the presence of oxygen, which leads to the conversion of sulfides to oxides, subsequently reduced to metal in a smelting furnace. Each step in the extraction process is a combination of chemical reactions and physical processes, tailored to yield the highest amount of metal while minimizing environmental impacts.