Problem 1 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Which of the following is an ore of sodium? (a) chile saltpeter (b) carnalite (c) sylvine (d) none of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Chile saltpeter is an ore of sodium.

Step 1: Understand the Question

The question is asking us to identify which of the given substances is an ore of sodium. An ore is a naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted profitably.

Step 2: Identify Sodium Ores

Common ores of sodium include minerals like rock salt (halite), soda ash (trona), and Chile saltpeter (sodium nitrate).

Step 3: Evaluate Each Option

- **Option (a) Chile saltpeter** is sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), which is indeed an ore of sodium.- **Option (b) Carnalite** is a hydrated potassium magnesium chloride (\( KCl ullet MgCl_2 ullet 6H_2O \)), not directly a sodium ore.- **Option (c) Sylvine**, also known as sylvite, is primarily potassium chloride (KCl), not a sodium compound.- **Option (d) None of these** is incorrect based on the given options, since we identified that chile saltpeter is an ore of sodium.

Step 4: Conclusion

Based on the examination of each option, Chile saltpeter (sodium nitrate) is an ore of sodium. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Key Concepts

Mineral Extraction

Mineral extraction is a vital process in the mining industry, where naturally occurring substances are removed from the earth. These substances, often referred to as ores, contain metals or valuable minerals that can be profitably extracted and used for various applications. For sodium ores, extraction involves sourcing materials like rock salt, soda ash, and Chile saltpeter.

Understanding the process of mineral extraction involves a few key concepts:

• Identification: First, geologists and mining professionals must identify deposits where the mineral exists in sufficient quantities.
• Mining: Once identified, different techniques such as underground mining, open-pit mining, or even dredging may be used to extract the mineral.
• Processing: After extraction, minerals undergo processing to separate the desired elements. This involves crushing, grinding, and using chemical processes to isolate the target compounds.

Knowledge of mineral extraction helps us appreciate how essential processes contribute to obtaining materials like sodium, crucial for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food production.

Chemical Compounds

A chemical compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together. These compounds are crucial in identifying and categorizing minerals and ores. For sodium ores, specific chemical compounds such as sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), found in Chile saltpeter, are of primary interest.

It's important to know some basics of chemical compounds:

• Chemical Formula: Represents the chemical composition of a substance using symbols and numbers, e.g., NaNO₃ for sodium nitrate.
• Bonding Types: Compounds can be held together through ionic bonds (as in salts) or covalent bonds.
• Properties: Each compound has distinct physical and chemical properties, like melting point, solubility, and reactivity.

These properties help in the identification and selection of appropriate ores for extraction. Recognizing chemical compounds in ores, like in sodium nitrate, is essential in determining how to best employ them in practical applications.

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry focuses on the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds, which encompass diverse substances that do not primarily contain carbon. This field is central to understanding various ores, including those of sodium, such as Chile saltpeter and rock salt.

Key aspects of inorganic chemistry include:

• Study of Elements: It involves elements from the periodic table, particularly metals, metalloids, and nonmetals, excluding organic compounds.
• Reactivity and Synthesis: Examines how elements and compounds react, which helps in developing methods for processing ores.
• Chemical Principles: Concepts like oxidation-reduction reactions, acid-base chemistry, and coordination chemistry are fundamental.

Inorganic chemistry provides the framework for processing ores by revealing how sodium and its compounds behave. This knowledge ensures efficient and sustainable extraction and use in various industries.