Question

Consider the statements regarding Industry raw materials, Which of the statements above are correct?

1. Mica is used as an insulator in the electrical equipment industry.
2. Manganese is used for making alloys by mixing with iron.
3. Bauxite is used in power generation and aircraft manufacturing.

• A. ii only
• B. None of these
• C. All of these
• D. i, iii

Answer 1

Answer:

C. All of these

Mica

• Mica is a group of sheet silicate minerals.
• Its key property is its excellent electrical insulating capability and thermal stability.
• These properties make it indispensable in the electrical equipment industry, particularly in capacitors, insulators for switchboards, and high-voltage equipment.
• It can be split into thin, transparent sheets, which further enhance its utility.

Manganese

• Manganese is a hard, brittle, silvery-white metal.
• It is primarily used in the production of steel.
• When added to iron, manganese significantly improves its strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and tear.
• This makes it a crucial component in creating various alloys, including ferro-manganese, which is a key ingredient in steelmaking.
• It is also used in the production of dry cell batteries and certain chemicals.

Bauxite

• Bauxite is an aluminum ore, primarily consisting of aluminum hydroxides.
• It is the principal ore from which aluminum metal is extracted.
• The process of extracting aluminum from bauxite is energy-intensive, using electrolysis (Hall-Héroult process).
• Aluminum and its alloys have widespread applications due to their lightweight, strength, and corrosion resistance.
• These include the aircraft manufacturing industry, where weight reduction is critical for fuel efficiency and performance.
• Aluminum is also used in construction, transportation (automobiles, trains), and packaging (cans).
• While not directly used in power generation, the manufacturing of components for power generation (like turbines, conductors) can utilize aluminum and its alloys.