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Metallurgy

Tamil Nadu Board · Class 12 · Chemistry

Complete topic list for Metallurgy in Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

45 questions29 flashcards5 concepts

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4 Topics · Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry

Topics in Metallurgy

1

1. Occurrence of Metals: Minerals and Ores

  • Pure metals occur in nature in two forms: native state (free elements) and combined state (as compounds)
  • Less reactive metals like Cu, Ag, Au, Pt occur as native elements in significant amounts
  • Reactive metals like alkali metals occur only in combined state (oxides, sulphides, silicates, carbonates)
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2. Concentration of Ores

  • Concentration (ore dressing) is the process of removing gangue to increase metal percentage in ore
  • Choice of method depends on: nature of ore, type of impurity, specific gravity difference, and magnetic properties
  • Gravity/Hydraulic wash: Used for ores with large specific gravity difference (haematite, tin stone, native gold)
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3. Conversion of Ores into Oxides

  • Before reduction, ore is converted to oxide form because oxides are easier to reduce than other compounds
  • Roasting: Oxidation of sulphide ores by heating with excess O₂ below melting point of metal
  • Roasting reactions: 2PbS + 3O₂ → 2PbO + 2SO₂↑; 2ZnS + 3O₂ → 2ZnO + 2SO₂↑; 2Cu₂S + 3O₂ → 2Cu₂O + 2SO₂↑
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4. Reduction of Metal Oxides

  • Reduction is conversion of metal oxide to elemental metal; metal goes from +2/+3 state to 0 state
  • Choice of reducing agent depends on: metal reactivity, thermodynamic feasibility, economic factors
  • Carbon cannot reduce oxides of very reactive metals (Na, K, Ca, Al) due to stability of their oxides

Key Concepts

A mineral is a naturally occurringRaw ores contain gangue (nonmetallic impuritiesLeaching dissolves metals into solution whileRoasting heats sulfide ores with excessMetal oxides are reduced to metals

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Metallurgy for Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry?
Key topics in Metallurgy include Decision tree showing the distinction between minerals and ores based on metal content and economic viability, Three-stage process flow showing the complete metal extraction journey from raw ore to pure metal, Mind map showing four major ore concentration methods and their key features. These are the concepts Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Metallurgy — Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 45 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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