WAEC 2011 Chemistry · Question 14

The following substances are ores of metals except

Options

A.bauxite
B.cuprite
C.cassiterite
D.graphite

Answer: D. graphite

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to pick the substance that is NOT an ore of a metal.

Concept: An ore is a naturally occurring mineral from which a metal can be extracted economically. Knowing the main ores and the metals they give is a common WASSCE topic.

Step-by-step check of each option:

A. Bauxite: This is hydrated aluminium oxide, Al₂O₃·2H₂O. It is the main ore of aluminium, so it is a metal ore.
B. Cuprite: This is copper(I) oxide, Cu₂O. It is an ore of copper (the name comes from the Latin cuprum), so it is a metal ore.
C. Cassiterite: This is tin(IV) oxide, SnO₂. It is the main ore of tin, found on the Jos Plateau in Nigeria, so it is a metal ore.
D. Graphite: This is a crystalline form (allotrope) of carbon, which is a non-metal. It is not an ore of any metal.

Answer: D. Graphite is the only option that is not a metal ore.

Exam tip: Match the ore names to their metals:

Bauxite → Aluminium
Cuprite → Copper
Cassiterite → Tin
Haematite → Iron
Galena → Lead

Graphite and diamond are both forms of carbon, so neither is a metal ore.

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