Question

Leaching is a process of

• A. Separating liquids by volatility
• B. Removing solute from a solid using a solvent
• C. Drying solids by hot air
• D. Separation of crystals from solution

Hint:

Logic Tip: Making a cup of tea or coffee is the perfect everyday example of leaching. You use hot water (the solvent) to extract the flavor compounds and caffeine (the solute) from the solid coffee grounds or tea leaves.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Leaching, also known as solid-liquid extraction, is a process used to dissolve a soluble constituent (the solute) out of an insoluble solid matrix.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Identify the phases involved: Solid (feed) + Liquid (solvent).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
In leaching, a liquid solvent is brought into contact with a solid material. The solvent selectively dissolves one or more components from the solid. Common industrial examples include:
Extracting oil from oilseeds using hexane.
Extracting sugar from sugar beets using hot water.
Removing gold from ore using cyanide solutions (Hydrometallurgy).

Step 4: Final Answer:
Leaching is the removal of a solute from a solid using a solvent.