JEE Main · Chemistry · General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
Metallurgical Extraction: JEE Main previous year questions
50 questions in the 108 JEE Main shifts Lumi analysed, in 4 of 8 years. Pattern: Gone quiet. 0 came in 2024–26. Here is how it is asked and which ideas come back.
- Questions
- 50
- in 49 of 108 shifts
- Years asked
- 4/8
- last asked 2023
- Since 2024
- Quiet
- 0 questions in 2024–26
- Weighted estimate
- –
- history: 0.3 a shift on average, typically 0.0–0.7
Key findings
- 01
Asked in 4 of 8 years with analysed shifts and in 49 of 108 shifts: 50 questions, #59 of 196 topics. Last asked in 2023.
- 02
52% of its questions since 2020 tested an idea no earlier year had asked; 22 repeated an idea from the year before.
- 03
The most repeated idea is Metal Refining Techniques, asked 6 times in 6 shifts (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), most often as “mismatch among metallurgy processes”.
- 04
JEE Main has asked 21 of the 56 ideas in this topic; 32 have never been asked, directly or inside another question.
- 05
Mostly asked as single correct (58%); 2% need a numerical answer, 68% are easy and 0% hard. It went down from 0.5 to 0.0 questions a shift since 2024.
- 06
The skill tested most is recall (68%), then conceptual (26%).
Questions a shift, year by year
Out of the 25 Chemistry questions in a shift. Years differ in how many shifts Lumi analysed, so each year is scaled to one shift.
Raw count: 2017: 0 in 1 shift · 2020: 8 in 12 shifts · 2021: 16 in 24 shifts · 2022: 20 in 24 shifts · 2023: 6 in 12 shifts · 2024: 0 in 18 shifts · 2025: 0 in 8 shifts · 2026: 0 in 9 shifts.
- Up to 2023
- 0.5
- a shift, of 25
- Since 2024
- 0.0
- -0.5
- Usual gap
- 1.0 yrs
- between years asking it
- Shifts with it
- 49/108
- 45% of analysed shifts
How it is asked
Difficulty, format and skill
Across all 50 questions on Metallurgical Extraction since 2017.
Difficulty
QUESTIONS- Easy34 · 68%
- Medium16 · 32%
- Hard0 · 0%
Format
SHARE- Single correct · 29 Q58%
- Two statements · 6 Q12%
- Assertion–reason · 5 Q10%
- Match the list · 4 Q8%
- Other · 3 Q6%
- Diagram based · 2 Q4%
- Numerical value · 1 Q2%
Skill tested
SHARE- Recall · 34 Q68%
- Conceptual · 13 Q26%
- Data or graph · 3 Q6%
Repeats
New idea, or one asked before?
Each column is a year. Blue questions tested an idea no earlier year had asked; navy ones went back to an idea from an earlier year. 2017 is the first year, so everything in it counts as new. Heights are question counts, and Lumi analysed 1 to 24 shifts a year, so compare the split inside a column rather than heights across years.
- Idea asked for the first time
- Idea asked in an earlier year
Coverage of the topic
JEE Main has asked 21 of the 56 ideas in this topic. 32 have never been asked yet.
- Asked directly21 · 38%
- Touched inside another question3 · 5%
- Never asked32 · 57%
Ideas come from Lumi’s JEE syllabus map. A never-asked idea is not a safe skip: across all of JEE Main, 22% of questions since 2024 tested an idea no earlier year had asked.
Drill down
Idea, year, question
Every idea JEE Main tested in this topic, with its eight years. Open one to read the questions.
- 26 Jun ’22 S1 · Q67Given below are two statements : Statement I : According to the Ellingham diagram, any metal oxide with higher is more…
mediumTwo statementsAsked the year before
- 3 Aug ’21 S1 · Q34Ellingham diagram does not predict the
easySingle correctAsked the year before
- 26 Aug ’21 S1 · Q35Read the question
mediumTwo statementsAsked the year before
- 25 Feb ’21 S1 · Q35Read the question
easySingle correctAsked the year before
- 5 Sep ’20 S1 · Q34Read the question
easySingle correctNew idea
- 6 Sep ’20 S2 · Q42Read the question
mediumSingle correctNew idea
- 26 Jun ’22 S1 · Q67
Squares are the 8 years with analysed shifts, 2017 to 2026. A number is the questions that year when there is more than one; the shade is scaled to one shift, so a year with more analysed shifts (1 to 24 a year) does not look darker. Share is of the level above.
Ideas
Every idea inside this topic
21 different ideas were tested; 10 came more than once.
mismatch among metallurgy processes
Other · 6 shiftsinterpretation of ellingham diagram
Single correct · 6 shiftsmatch list on metallurgical processes
Match the list · 6 shiftsidentify additive in extraction process
Single correct · 5 shiftsidentify impurity removed in extraction step
Single correct · 4 shiftsnot an example of process
Single correct · 3 shiftsdefinition recall
Single correct · 3 shiftsslope change in ellingham line
Assertion–reason · 2 shiftsassertion-reason on ellingham diagram intersection
Assertion–reason · 2 shiftsuses of a form of iron
Single correct · 2 shiftsname product of extraction step
Single correct · 1 shiftstatement i/ii on metallurgy principles
Two statements · 1 shiftidentify slag, flux and gangue
Single correct · 1 shiftidentify compounds removed as slag
Other · 1 shiftdefinition of gangue in metallurgy
Single correct · 1 shiftstatements on pig iron, cast iron, carbon content
Two statements · 1 shiftassertion-reason on reduction of metal oxides
Assertion–reason · 1 shiftimpurities in anode mud
Numerical value · 1 shift · 1 numericalodd-one-out among metal oxide reductions
Single correct · 1 shiftrole of silica in copper extraction
Single correct · 1 shiftidentify element refined by given method
Single correct · 1 shift
| Idea | Years asked | Times | Shifts | Format | Numerical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Refining Techniquesmismatch among metallurgy processes | 6 | 6 | OtherRecall | – | |
| Ellingham Diagram Basicsinterpretation of ellingham diagram | 6 | 6 | Single correctConceptual | – | |
| MacArthur-Forrest Cyanide Processmatch list on metallurgical processes | 6 | 6 | Match the listRecall | – | |
| Hall-Heroult Processidentify additive in extraction process | 5 | 5 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Bayer Process Chemistryidentify impurity removed in extraction step | 4 | 4 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Calcination vs. Roastingnot an example of process | 3 | 3 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Liquation Refining Principledefinition recall | 3 | 3 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Ellingham Diagram Phase Transitionsslope change in ellingham line | 2 | 2 | Assertion–reasonConceptual | – | |
| Ellingham Diagram Intersectionsassertion-reason on ellingham diagram intersection | 2 | 2 | Assertion–reasonConceptual | – | |
| Iron Extraction Chemistryuses of a form of iron | 2 | 2 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Blister Copper Formationname product of extraction step | 1 | 1 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Reducing Agent Selectionstatement i/ii on metallurgy principles | 1 | 1 | Two statementsConceptual | – | |
| Acidic vs Basic Flux Selectionidentify slag, flux and gangue | 1 | 1 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Bessemerization of Copperidentify compounds removed as slag | 1 | 1 | OtherRecall | – | |
| Flux and Slag Chemistrydefinition of gangue in metallurgy | 1 | 1 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Iron Allotropes Carbon Contentstatements on pig iron, cast iron, carbon content | 1 | 1 | Two statementsRecall | – | |
| Role of Entropy in Ellingham Slopesassertion-reason on reduction of metal oxides | 1 | 1 | Assertion–reasonConceptual | – | |
| Anode Mud Compositionimpurities in anode mud | 1 | 1 | Numerical valueRecall | 1 | |
| Gibbs Energy Equation in Metallurgyodd-one-out among metal oxide reductions | 1 | 1 | Single correctConceptual | – | |
| Silica Flux in Copper Smeltingrole of silica in copper extraction | 1 | 1 | Single correctRecall | – | |
| Distillation Refiningidentify element refined by given method | 1 | 1 | Single correctRecall | – |
Times and shifts count every analysed shift. Across JEE Main, 78% of questions since 2024 went back to an idea an earlier year had asked; the rest were new. All repeated ideas
Every question
Metallurgical Extraction questions, year by year
The newest 40 show their opening words as they appeared in the official paper; older ones name the idea they tested. Open one for its options and the official answer.
JEE Main 20236 questions in 6 shifts
- 8 Apr, Shift 2Q65In Hall - Heroult process, the following is used for reducing :-
Idea: Hall-Heroult Process
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 11 Apr, Shift 1Q65In the extraction process of copper, the product obtained after carrying out the reactions (i)…
Idea: Blister Copper Formation
New ideaEasySingle correct - 11 Apr, Shift 2Q65Given below are two statements : Statement I : In the metallurgy process, sulphide ore is converted to oxide before reduction. Statement…
Idea: Reducing Agent Selection
New ideaEasyTwo statements - 12 Apr, Shift 1Q66Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A : In the Ellingham…
Idea: Ellingham Diagram Phase Transitions
Asked the year beforeMediumAssertion–reason - 13 Apr, Shift 1Q65Which one of the following is most likely a mismatch ?
Idea: Metal Refining Techniques
Asked the year beforeMediumSingle correct - 15 Apr, Shift 1Q65Which one of the following is not an example of calcination?
Idea: Calcination vs. Roasting
EasySingle correct
JEE Main 202220 questions in 20 shifts
- 25 Jul, Shift 1Q67The compound(s) that is(are) removed as slag during the extraction of copper is : (A) (B) (C)…
Idea: Bessemerization of Copper
New ideaMediumOther - 25 Jul, Shift 2Q67Given below are two statements. Statement I: Pig iron is obtained by heating cast iron with scrap iron. Statement II: Pig iron has a…
Idea: Iron Allotropes Carbon Content
New ideaEasyTwo statements - 26 Jul, Shift 1Q64Refining using liquation method is the most suitable for metals with :
Idea: Liquation Refining Principle
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 26 Jul, Shift 2Q67The metal that is not extracted from its sulfide ore is
Idea: Bayer Process Chemistry
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 27 Jul, Shift 1Q67Which of the following methods are not used to refine any metal? A. Liquation B. Calcination C. Electrolysis D. Leaching E. Distillation…
Idea: Metal Refining Techniques
Asked the year beforeEasyOther - 28 Jul, Shift 1Q66Which of the reaction is suitable for concentrating ore by leaching process ?
Idea: Bayer Process Chemistry
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 28 Jul, Shift 2Q33Given below are two statements : One is labelled as **Assertion A** and the other is labelled as **Reason R** **Assertion A** : The…
Idea: Role of Entropy in Ellingham Slopes
New ideaMediumAssertion–reason - 29 Jul, Shift 1Q65In metallurgy the term “gangue” is used for :
Idea: Flux and Slag Chemistry
New ideaEasySingle correct - 29 Jul, Shift 2Q66In liquation process used for tin (Sn), the metal
Idea: Liquation Refining Principle
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 30 Jul, Shift 2Q36Match List I with List II List I | List II A. Cyanide Process | I. Vapour phase refining B. Froth flotation process | II. Aluminium C.…
Idea: MacArthur-Forrest Cyanide Process
Asked the year beforeEasyMatch the list - 24 Jun, Shift 2Q67Which of the following chemical reactions represents Hall-Heroult Process?
Idea: Hall-Heroult Process
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 25 Jun, Shift 1Q64Leaching of gold with dilute aqueous solution of NaCN in presence of oxygen gives complex [A], which on reaction with zinc forms the…
Idea: MacArthur-Forrest Cyanide Process
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 25 Jun, Shift 2Q67Given below are two statements. Statement I: During electrolytic refining, blister copper deposits precious metals. Statement II: In the…
Idea: Metal Refining Techniques
Asked the year beforeMediumTwo statements - 26 Jun, Shift 1Q67Given below are two statements : Statement I : According to the Ellingham diagram, any metal oxide with higher is more…
Idea: Ellingham Diagram Basics
Asked the year beforeMediumTwo statements - 27 Jun, Shift 1Q66Match List - I with List - II. List - I (A) Concentration of gold ore (B) Leaching of alumina (C) Froth stabiliser (D) Blister copper List…
Idea: MacArthur-Forrest Cyanide Process
Asked the year beforeMediumMatch the list - 27 Jun, Shift 2Q63**Statement I:** Leaching of gold with cyanide ion in absence of air / leads to cyano complex of Au(III). **Statement II:**…
Idea: MacArthur-Forrest Cyanide Process
Asked the year beforeMediumTwo statements - 28 Jun, Shift 1Q64Given are two statements one is labelled as Assertion A and other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A :Magnesium can reduce…
Idea: Ellingham Diagram Intersections
MediumAssertion–reason - 28 Jun, Shift 2Q67In the metallurgical extraction of copper, following reaction is used : and…
Idea: Acidic vs Basic Flux Selection
New ideaEasySingle correct - 29 Jun, Shift 1Q67In isolation of which one of the following metals from their ores, the use of cyanide salt is not commonly involved ?
Idea: MacArthur-Forrest Cyanide Process
Asked the year beforeMediumSingle correct - 30 Jun, Shift 1Q67vs T plot for the formation of MgO, involving reaction ,…
Idea: Ellingham Diagram Phase Transitions
New ideaMediumDiagram based · figure
JEE Main 202116 questions in 16 shifts
- 3 Aug, Shift 1Q34Ellingham diagram does not predict the
Idea: Ellingham Diagram Basics
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 3 Aug, Shift 2Q34Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A : Fluoride based compound…
Idea: Hall-Heroult Process
New ideaEasyAssertion–reason - 4 Aug, Shift 1Q36The concentrated ores siderite and copper glance are converted to their oxides by
Idea: Calcination vs. Roasting
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 4 Aug, Shift 2Q33During the isolation of copper from copper matte, is added to
Idea: Silica Flux in Copper Smelting
New ideaEasySingle correct - 26 Aug, Shift 1Q35Given below are two statements. Statement I : The choice of reducing agents for metals extraction can be made by using Ellingham diagram,…
Idea: Ellingham Diagram Basics
Asked the year beforeMediumTwo statements - 27 Aug, Shift 1Q36Which refining process is generally used in the purification of low melting metals ?
Idea: Liquation Refining Principle
New ideaEasySingle correct - 31 Aug, Shift 1Q36Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : Aluminium is…
Idea: Hall-Heroult Process
New ideaEasyAssertion–reason - 31 Aug, Shift 2Q59In the electrolytic refining of blister copper, the total number of main impurities, from the following, removed as anode mud is…
Idea: Anode Mud Composition
New ideaMediumNumerical value - 24 Feb, Shift 1Q36was leached with alkali to get X. The solution of X on passing of gas Y, forms Z. X, Y and Z respectively are :
Idea: Bayer Process Chemistry
New ideaEasySingle correct - 25 Feb, Shift 1Q35Ellingham diagram is a graphical representation of :
Idea: Ellingham Diagram Basics
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 25 Feb, Shift 2Q35The method used for the purification of Indium is :
Idea: Metal Refining Techniques
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 25 Jul, Shift 1Q34In the leaching of alumina from bauxite, the ore expected to leach out in the process by reacting with NaOH is :
Idea: Bayer Process Chemistry
New ideaEasySingle correct - 25 Jul, Shift 2Q35Match List I with List II : (Both having metallurgical terms) List - I (a) Concentration of Ag ore (b) Blast furnace (c) Blister copper…
Idea: MacArthur-Forrest Cyanide Process
New ideaEasyMatch the list - 16 Mar, Shift 2Q34Which of the following reduction reaction CANNOT be carried out with coke ?
Idea: Gibbs Energy Equation in Metallurgy
New ideaEasySingle correct - 18 Mar, Shift 1 · Q35Hall-Heroult ProcessNew ideaEasy
- 18 Mar, Shift 2 · Q35Metal Refining TechniquesAsked the year beforeEasy
JEE Main 20208 questions in 7 shifts
- 8 Jan, Shift 2 · Q33Iron Extraction ChemistryNew ideaEasy
- 9 Jan, Shift 1 · Q33Ellingham Diagram IntersectionsNew ideaMedium
- 2 Sep, Shift 2 · Q33Iron Extraction ChemistryNew ideaEasy
- 4 Sep, Shift 1 · Q33Metal Refining TechniquesNew ideaMedium
- 4 Sep, Shift 2 · Q38Calcination vs. RoastingNew ideaEasy
- 5 Sep, Shift 1 · Q34Ellingham Diagram BasicsNew ideaEasy
- 6 Sep, Shift 2 · Q33Distillation RefiningNew ideaEasy
- 6 Sep, Shift 2 · Q42Ellingham Diagram BasicsNew ideaMedium
Questions from the official JEE Main Paper 1 shifts published by NTA (CBSE for 2017). Questions NTA dropped are left out. Topic and idea tags, counts and notes are Lumi’s.
More topics in General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
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