Question

Thomas slag is:
A.$CaSi{O_3}$
B.$C{a_3}{(P{O_4})_2}$
C.$MnSi{O_3}$
D.$CaC{O_3}$
E.None of the above

Answer 1

Hint:Minerals are naturally occurring substances which may contain metals and form ores of those metals. Metallurgy refers to the process of extraction of these metals from their ores in order to utilise the metals. During metallurgy there are certain products formed which may be waste materials or leftovers and are known as slag.

Complete answer:
Minerals are naturally occurring chemicals which are used for various purposes depending on their properties. They are found in the earth’s crust and are obtained by the process of mining. Minerals may contain certain metals which makes them ores of those metals from which metals can be extracted. These ores may also contain undesired substances which are known gangue. The process of extraction of a metal from its ore is defined as metallurgy.
In metallurgy reactions, there are certain by-products which are left after the production of the desired products, these by-products are known as slag which are considered as leftovers which usually are mixtures of metal oxides and silicon dioxide. Thus, the waste by=product or the waste material after a reaction is known as slag.A chemical cleaning or purifying agent used for refining metals is known as a flux.
Thomas slag is the tetracalcium phosphate compound which is the most basic calcium phosphate and is used in fertilisers as it has high solubility. Tetracalcium phosphate has a molecular formula of $C{a_4}{(P{O_4})_2}O$ with a calcium-phosphate ratio equal to $2$ .

Thus, amongst the given options for the above question, the correct option is (E) None of the above as tetracalcium phosphate has a molecular formula of $C{a_4}{(P{O_4})_2}O$.

Note:
There are unwanted materials in the ores known as gangues which are removed through a process of concentration also known as dressing or benefaction. The removal process of gangues depends on the physical properties of the metals in ores and of these gangues. The differences in the gravity among the metals and gangues and the difference between their magnetic properties help to separate them.