Two Zinc-containing Minerals Are Sphalerite (zinc Sulfide) And Smithsonite (zinc Carbonate).Determine The Percent Composition Of Each And Answer The Questions That Follow.A. Sphalerite, ZnS (3 Points) B. Smithsonite, ZnCO\[$_3\$\] (4 Points)
Understanding the Composition of Zinc-Containing Minerals
Zinc is an essential element found in various minerals, with two notable examples being sphalerite (zinc sulfide) and smithsonite (zinc carbonate). In this article, we will delve into the percent composition of each mineral and address the questions that follow.
A. Sphalerite, ZnS
Sphalerite, also known as zinc sulfide, is a mineral composed of zinc and sulfur. To determine the percent composition of sphalerite, we need to calculate the mass percentage of each element in the compound.
The molar mass of zinc (Zn) is 65.38 g/mol, and the molar mass of sulfur (S) is 32.06 g/mol. The molar mass of sphalerite (ZnS) is the sum of the molar masses of zinc and sulfur, which is 65.38 + 32.06 = 97.44 g/mol.
To calculate the percent composition of zinc in sphalerite, we can use the following formula:
% Zinc = (mass of zinc / molar mass of sphalerite) x 100
Substituting the values, we get:
% Zinc = (65.38 / 97.44) x 100 ≈ 67.1%
Similarly, to calculate the percent composition of sulfur in sphalerite, we can use the following formula:
% Sulfur = (mass of sulfur / molar mass of sphalerite) x 100
Substituting the values, we get:
% Sulfur = (32.06 / 97.44) x 100 ≈ 32.9%
Therefore, the percent composition of sphalerite is approximately 67.1% zinc and 32.9% sulfur.
*B. Smithsonite, ZnCO$_3$*
Smithsonite, also known as zinc carbonate, is a mineral composed of zinc, carbon, and oxygen. To determine the percent composition of smithsonite, we need to calculate the mass percentage of each element in the compound.
The molar mass of zinc (Zn) is 65.38 g/mol, the molar mass of carbon (C) is 12.01 g/mol, and the molar mass of oxygen (O) is 16.00 g/mol. The molar mass of smithsonite (ZnCO$_3$) is the sum of the molar masses of zinc, carbon, and three oxygen atoms, which is 65.38 + 12.01 + 3(16.00) = 125.39 g/mol.
To calculate the percent composition of zinc in smithsonite, we can use the following formula:
% Zinc = (mass of zinc / molar mass of smithsonite) x 100
Substituting the values, we get:
% Zinc = (65.38 / 125.39) x 100 ≈ 52.2%
Similarly, to calculate the percent composition of carbon in smithsonite, we can use the following formula:
% Carbon = (mass of carbon / molar mass of smithsonite) x 100
Substituting the values, we get:
% Carbon = (12.01 / 125.39) x 100 ≈ 9.6%
To calculate the percent composition of oxygen in smithsonite, we can use the following formula:
% Oxygen = (mass of oxygen / molar mass of smithsonite) x 100
Substituting the values, we get:
% Oxygen = (3(16.00) / 125.39) x 100 ≈ 38.2%
Therefore, the percent composition of smithsonite is approximately 52.2% zinc, 9.6% carbon, and 38.2% oxygen.
Discussion
In conclusion, the percent composition of sphalerite (zinc sulfide) is approximately 67.1% zinc and 32.9% sulfur, while the percent composition of smithsonite (zinc carbonate) is approximately 52.2% zinc, 9.6% carbon, and 38.2% oxygen.
These calculations demonstrate the importance of understanding the composition of minerals in various fields, including geology, chemistry, and materials science. By determining the percent composition of minerals, scientists and researchers can gain valuable insights into their properties, behavior, and potential applications.
Applications of Zinc-Containing Minerals
Zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, have numerous applications in various industries. Some of the key applications include:
- Metallurgy: Zinc is an essential element in the production of steel, and sphalerite is often used as a source of zinc in the metallurgical industry.
- Chemical Industry: Smithsonite is used as a source of zinc in the production of various chemicals, including zinc oxide, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate.
- Catalysts: Zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, are used as catalysts in various chemical reactions, including the production of fuels, plastics, and other chemicals.
- Pharmaceuticals: Zinc is an essential element in the production of various pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, antibiotics, and other medications.
In conclusion, the percent composition of zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, is essential in understanding their properties, behavior, and potential applications. By determining the percent composition of these minerals, scientists and researchers can gain valuable insights into their uses in various industries and develop new technologies and products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zinc-Containing Minerals
In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite.
Q: What is the difference between sphalerite and smithsonite?
A: Sphalerite and smithsonite are both zinc-containing minerals, but they have different chemical compositions. Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral (ZnS), while smithsonite is a zinc carbonate mineral (ZnCO$_3$).
Q: What are the common uses of sphalerite?
A: Sphalerite is often used as a source of zinc in the metallurgical industry, particularly in the production of steel. It is also used in the production of various chemicals, including zinc oxide, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate.
Q: What are the common uses of smithsonite?
A: Smithsonite is used as a source of zinc in the production of various chemicals, including zinc oxide, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines and antibiotics.
Q: How are zinc-containing minerals formed?
A: Zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, are formed through geological processes, such as the cooling and solidification of magma or the precipitation of minerals from solution.
Q: What are the properties of zinc-containing minerals?
A: Zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, have a number of properties that make them useful in various applications. These properties include their high melting points, their ability to withstand high temperatures, and their resistance to corrosion.
Q: How are zinc-containing minerals extracted?
A: Zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, are extracted through a variety of methods, including open-pit mining, underground mining, and flotation.
Q: What are the environmental impacts of zinc-containing minerals?
A: Zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the one hand, they can be used to produce a variety of useful products, such as steel and pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, their extraction and processing can result in the release of toxic chemicals and the degradation of the environment.
Q: Can zinc-containing minerals be recycled?
A: Yes, zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, can be recycled. Recycling can help to conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and minimize the environmental impacts of mining and processing.
Q: What are the health effects of zinc-containing minerals?
A: Zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, can have both positive and negative health effects. On the one hand, zinc is an essential element that is necessary for a variety of bodily functions, including immune function and wound healing. On the other hand, exposure to high levels of zinc can result in a range of health problems, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Q: How can I learn more about zinc-containing minerals?
A: There are a variety of resources available for learning more about zinc-containing minerals, including books, articles, and online courses. You can also consult with experts in the field, such as geologists and chemists, to gain a deeper understanding of these minerals and their properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite and smithsonite, are an important part of our natural world. They have a range of properties and uses that make them useful in various applications, from the production of steel and pharmaceuticals to the extraction of zinc and other metals. By understanding more about these minerals and their properties, we can better appreciate their importance and work to conserve and protect them for future generations.