Question

Refining using liquation method is the most suitable for metals with :

• A. Low melting point
• B. High boiling point
• C. High electrical conductivity
• D. Less tendency to be soluble in melts than impurities

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The refining of metals using the liquation method is specifically used for metals with a low melting point. This is because the liquation process involves selectively melting the metal while leaving behind impurities that have higher melting points.

Here's how the liquation method works:

1. Melting: The impure metal is heated just above its melting point. Since the metal has a lower melting point than its impurities, it becomes liquid while the impurities remain solid.
2. Separation: The liquid metal is then separated from the solid impurities. This can be done by tilting the container to let the liquid flow out or by using a filter-like method to separate the liquid from the solid impurities remaining in the container.

The correct option, 'Low melting point', is justified because:

• A lower melting point ensures that the metal can be selectively melted, easing its separation from solid impurities.

Other options, such as "High boiling point", "High electrical conductivity", and "Less tendency to be soluble in melts than impurities", do not relate directly to the process of liquation, which is primarily concerned with differences in melting points between the metal and its impurities.