15. Gold can be extracted from the surrounding rock by using a solution of sodium cyanide. While effective for isolating gold, toxic cyanide finds its way into watersheds, causing environmental damage and harming human health. 4 Au(s) + 8 NaCN(aq) + O2(g) + 2 H₂O(1) → 4 NaAu(CN)2(aq) + 4 NaOH(aq) 2 NaAu(CN)2(aq) + Zn(s) → 2 Au(s) + Na₂[Zn(CN)4](aq) If a sample of rock contains 0.009% gold by mass, how much NaCN, in kg, is needed to extract the gold from 1 metric ton (1 metric ton 10³ kg) of rock as NaAu(CN)₂? To solve, you must translate 0.009% 0.009 g Au = Au by mass to a conversion factor which is 100 g rock

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question

15.

**15. Gold Extraction Using Sodium Cyanide**

Gold can be extracted from the surrounding rock by using a solution of sodium cyanide. While effective for isolating gold, toxic cyanide finds its way into watersheds, causing environmental damage and harming human health.

### Chemical Reactions

1. **Extraction of Gold:**
   \[
   4 \text{Au}_{(s)} + 8 \text{NaCN}_{(aq)} + \text{O}_2_{(g)} + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O}_{(l)} \rightarrow 4 \text{NaAu(CN)}_2_{(aq)} + 4 \text{NaOH}_{(aq)}
   \]

2. **Recovery of Gold:**
   \[
   2 \text{NaAu(CN)}_2_{(aq)} + \text{Zn}_{(s)} \rightarrow 2 \text{Au}_{(s)} + \text{Na}_2[\text{Zn(CN)}_4]_{(aq)}
   \]

### Problem Statement

If a sample of rock contains 0.009% gold by mass, how much NaCN, in kg, is needed to extract the gold from 1 metric ton (1 metric ton = \(10^3\) kg) of rock as NaAu(CN)_2? To solve, you must translate 0.009% Au by mass to a conversion factor, which is:
\[
\frac{0.009 \text{ g Au}}{100 \text{ g rock}}
\]
Transcribed Image Text:**15. Gold Extraction Using Sodium Cyanide** Gold can be extracted from the surrounding rock by using a solution of sodium cyanide. While effective for isolating gold, toxic cyanide finds its way into watersheds, causing environmental damage and harming human health. ### Chemical Reactions 1. **Extraction of Gold:** \[ 4 \text{Au}_{(s)} + 8 \text{NaCN}_{(aq)} + \text{O}_2_{(g)} + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O}_{(l)} \rightarrow 4 \text{NaAu(CN)}_2_{(aq)} + 4 \text{NaOH}_{(aq)} \] 2. **Recovery of Gold:** \[ 2 \text{NaAu(CN)}_2_{(aq)} + \text{Zn}_{(s)} \rightarrow 2 \text{Au}_{(s)} + \text{Na}_2[\text{Zn(CN)}_4]_{(aq)} \] ### Problem Statement If a sample of rock contains 0.009% gold by mass, how much NaCN, in kg, is needed to extract the gold from 1 metric ton (1 metric ton = \(10^3\) kg) of rock as NaAu(CN)_2? To solve, you must translate 0.009% Au by mass to a conversion factor, which is: \[ \frac{0.009 \text{ g Au}}{100 \text{ g rock}} \]
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Qualitative Analysis of Cations
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY