Question:hard

Calcination is the process in which:

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • ore is heated above its melting point to expel $H_2O$ or $CO_2$ or $SO_2$
  • ore is heated below its melting point to expel volatile impurities
  • ore is heated above its melting point to remove $S, As$ and $Sb$ as $SO_2$, $As_2O_3$ and $Sb_2O_3$ respectively
  • ore is heated below its melting point to expel $H_2O$ or $CO_2$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Calcination is a thermal treatment process applied to ores and other solid materials to bring about a thermal decomposition, phase transition, or the removal of a volatile fraction. The main purpose of calcination is to remove water (H2O) and volatile impurities such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from the ores. Let's analyze each provided option to determine the correct answer:

  1. Option 1: Ore is heated above its melting point to expel H2O, CO2, or SO2.
    • This is incorrect because calcination typically involves heating the ore below its melting point, not above, to drive off volatile components or moisture.
  2. Option 2: Ore is heated below its melting point to expel volatile impurities.
    • This is partially true, but the definition can be more specific as calcination primarily targets the removal of H2O and CO2 in the case of carbonates and hydrates.
  3. Option 3: Ore is heated above its melting point to remove S, As, and Sb as SO2, As2O3, and Sb2O3 respectively.
    • This statement generally describes the process of roasting, not calcination. Roasting involves heating above the melting point and in the presence of oxygen, which is not the characteristic of calcination.
  4. Option 4: Ore is heated below its melting point to expel H2O or CO2.
    • This is the correct definition of calcination. The process involves heating the ore below its melting point to remove moisture (H2O) and other volatile impurities such as CO2. This is especially true for carbonate ores being converted to oxides.

Therefore, the correct option is that in calcination, the ore is heated below its melting point to expel H_2O or CO_2.

Was this answer helpful?
0