Question

Given below arc two statements:
Statement I : In the metallurgy process. sulphide ore is converted to oxide before reduction.
Statement II : Oxide ores in general are easier to reduce.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• C. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Statement I:

Sulphide ores are converted to oxides before reduction. This process is called roasting. For example:

\[ 2\text{ZnS} + 3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{ZnO} + 2\text{SO}_2 \]

This statement is true.

Statement II:

Oxide ores are generally easier to reduce than sulphide ores. This can be explained by the following:

• During the carbon reduction of oxides, \( \text{CO}_2 \) is produced, which is a gas that readily escapes. This drives the reaction forward more easily.
• In contrast, the carbon reduction of sulphides produces \( \text{CS}_2 \), which is less volatile than \( \text{CO}_2 \) due to stronger intermolecular forces caused by sulfur being larger than oxygen.

The reaction for sulphide reduction is:

\[ 2\text{MS} + \text{C} \rightarrow 2\text{M} + \text{CS}_2 \]

Since \( \text{CO}_2 \) is more volatile compared to \( \text{CS}_2 \), oxide reduction is favored. This statement is also true.

Conclusion:

Final Answer: Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.