Q. One of the following metals is obtained by leaching its ore with dilute cyanide solution. Identify it.

A) Titanium
B) Vanadium
C) Silver
D) Zinc
Explanation

(c)
Silver metal is obtained by $Mac$-Arthur Forrest process which is called cyanide process. The concentrated ore of argentite is treated with dilute NaCN solution and a current of $O_{2}$ is continuously passed. Silver sulphide goes into solution in the form of soluble complex sodium argentocyanide.
$2{Ag}_{2}S + 8NaCN + O_{2} + 2H_{2}O \longrightarrow$
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4Na\lbrack Ag(CN)_{2}\rbrack + 4NaOH + 2S$
The soluble complex is treated with zinc dust, when silver gets precipitated.
$2Na\lbrack Ag(CN)_{2}\rbrack + Zn \longrightarrow {Na}_{2}\lbrack Zn(CN)_{4} + 2Ag \downarrow$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.