Question

Spelter is the impure form of
(A) Zn
(B) Ag
(C) Cu
(D) Fe

Answer 1

Hint: Spelter is present in the form of slabs which are cast from the liquid which is obtained during the process of reducing ores. Spelter is an alloy which is a combination of metals or different kinds of metals combined with one or more than one element.


Complete step by step solution:
Spelter is a zinc and lead alloy which ages and it resembles bronze. Spelter is softer and it has a lower melting point. Spelter is present in zinc in the form of slabs which are cast from the liquid which is obtained during the process of reducing ores. Spelter is a most common commercial form of zinc metal. Spelter is not the purest form of zinc as it contains both zinc and lead and copper.
Zinc is also used to make many useful alloys. Brass is also an alloy of zinc which contains around 55 to 95 percent of copper in it. Brass is one of the best alloys made from zinc.
Spelter was used around the mid-1860s for the manufacturing of candlesticks or clocks cases and light fixtures. Spelter can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina. The untarnished Spelter is generally white in color while bronze is yellow in color.


Hence the correct option is (A)


Note: Spelter a zinc and lead alloy was first cast into an ornamental object around 1860s. This metal was widely used to make decorative copies of famous sculptures and other works of art. Spelter alloy has a coating which makes the resemblance of bronze but this can be easily detected.