Question

Froth floatation is a process of _________.
A. Oxidation
B. Reduction
C. Refining
D. Concentration

Answer 1

Think about the name of the process, the term froth floatation defines what exactly happens in the process i.e. separation. You will arrive at the answer by inferring the implication of separation.

Complete answer:
Froth floatation is a process which basically separates all the hydrophilic (water-loving) components of a mixture from the hydrophobic (water-fearing) ones.
In this process, bubbles are introduced into the mixture of the required material i.e. the ore and other impurities. Then some chemicals are added that facilitate the attachment of the fine ore particles to the bubbles. These bubbles then rise up as froth and can be then separated. Froth floatation is a process of separation that is usually used in the purification of sulphide ores of various minerals.
In this process, we basically reduce the volume of the ore while retaining the purified material. From this we can infer that the mineral is being concentrated.
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Additional Information: There are two types of froth floatation processes:
- Direct floatation technique
In this process, the required material is allowed to attach to the froth and the gangue settles down at the bottom.
- Reverse floatation technique
In this process, the required material is allowed to settle down and the gangue is made to float up with the froth.

Note: Please do not get confused and assume that the answer is not given here. It seems to be a separation process at first glance but if we search for the implications of the separation, it is clearly a concentration process.