The Earth's crust, metal ores are present in the form of _________

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB Technician Grade III Official Paper (Held On: 28 Dec, 2024 Shift 2)

Answer 1

The correct answer is oxides, sulphides and carbonates.

Key Points

Metal ores in the Earth's crust are commonly found in the form of oxides, sulphides, and carbonates.
Oxides include minerals like hematite (Fe₂O₃) and bauxite (Al₂O₃·2H₂O).
Sulphides include minerals such as galena (PbS) and pyrite (FeS₂).
Carbonates include minerals like calcite (CaCO₃) and dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂).
These forms are the primary sources for extracting metals in various mining processes.

Additional Information

Oxides: These are compounds of oxygen and metals. They are typically formed through the oxidation process.
Sulphides: These are compounds of sulfur with metals. They are generally formed in reducing environments, like hydrothermal vents.
Carbonates: These are salts of carbonic acid containing the carbonate ion (CO₃^2-). They are usually formed in sedimentary environments.
Mining and Extraction: The process of obtaining metals from ores involves various techniques like smelting, electrolysis, and chemical reduction.
Economic Importance: The extraction of metals from these ores is crucial for various industries including construction, electronics, and manufacturing.