ICSE Class 10 Chemistry: Metallurgy — Important Questions with Answers 2026

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

• Q: What is metallurgy? Name the steps involved in extraction of metals.
  Ans: Metallurgy is the process of extracting metals from their ores and refining them. Steps: (1) Crushing and grinding of ore. (2) Concentration/Enrichment of ore (removing gangue). (3) Calcination or Roasting. (4) Reduction (smelting). (5) Refining (purification) of crude metal.
• Q: Differentiate between calcination and roasting.
  Ans: Calcination: Heating ore strongly in absence/limited supply of air. Used for carbonate ores. Example: CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂. Roasting: Heating ore strongly in excess of air. Used for sulphide ores. Converts sulphide to oxide. Example: 2ZnS + 3O₂ → 2ZnO + 2SO₂.
• Q: Explain electrolytic refining of copper.
  Ans: Impure copper is made the anode, thin strip of pure copper is the cathode, and acidified CuSO₄ solution is the electrolyte. At anode: Cu → Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ (impure copper dissolves). At cathode: Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu (pure copper deposits). Impurities settle as anode mud (contains gold, silver).

Long Answer / Application Questions (4-6 Marks)

• Q: What is an alloy? Name the components and uses of (i) brass, (ii) stainless steel.
  Ans: An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a non-metal. (i) Brass: Copper + Zinc. Uses: utensils, decorative items, musical instruments. (ii) Stainless steel: Iron + Chromium + Nickel + Carbon. Uses: surgical instruments, kitchen utensils, cutlery. Alloys are harder and more corrosion-resistant than pure metals.
• Q: What is corrosion? How can iron be protected from corrosion?
  Ans: Corrosion is the gradual destruction of metals by reaction with air, moisture, and chemicals. Rusting: 4Fe + 3O₂ + 2xH₂O → 2Fe₂O₃.xH₂O. Prevention methods: (1) Galvanisation — coating with zinc. (2) Electroplating — coating with another metal. (3) Painting/oiling — prevents contact with air and moisture. (4) Alloying — stainless steel resists corrosion.

Exam Tips for This Chapter

• Revise all definitions and laws from Metallurgy — they are commonly asked as 1-2 mark questions
• Practice diagrams related to Metallurgy — neat labelled diagrams carry 2-3 marks
• For numericals, always show formula → substitution → answer with correct units
• Previous year analysis shows Metallurgy carries 8-12 marks in the board exam