Give the steps involved in the extraction of metals of low and medium reactivity from their respective sulphide ores.

Soln:

During the extraction of metals of low and medium reactivity from their respective sulphide ores.

They are first heated in presence of atmospheric oxygen. This step will give out oxides of metal. This step is used as it is more efficient method to extract methods.

Ex: Cinnabar is heated in air to get mercuric sulphide oxidize to produce mercuric oxide. 2HgS+3O₂ 2HgO+2SO₂

Mercuric oxide is further heat to get Mercury 2HgO 2Hg+O₂

Zinc is a metal of medium reactivity and its ore is Zinc Blende Zinc Blend is roasted to get Zinc oxide

2ZnS+3O₂ 2ZnO+2SO₂

ZNCO₃ ZnO+ CO₂

Zinc oxide when heated wit CO₂ Zinc is obtained ZnO+C Zn+CO