The outcome of leaching uranium from ore is that uranium is dissolved in which phase?

The outcome of leaching uranium from ore is that uranium is dissolved in which phase?

• A. Uranium metal precipitates
• B. Gaseous form
• C. Aqueous solution
• D. Solid oxide

Answer: (C)

Leaching uranium from ore aims to dissolve the metal into a liquid so it can be transported and processed further. In this process, uranium becomes part of an aqueous solution, typically as uranyl ions complexed with ligands like sulfate or carbonate, depending on the leachant used (acidic or alkaline). This means the uranium is dissolved in water-based liquid rather than remaining as a solid, metal, gas, or oxide. The other forms don’t fit the outcome of leaching: uranium metal precipitating would require reduction and removal of the oxidized form, a gaseous form would imply volatilization, and a solid oxide would stay as a solid phase rather than being dissolved.

Leaching uranium from ore aims to dissolve the metal into a liquid so it can be transported and processed further. In this process, uranium becomes part of an aqueous solution, typically as uranyl ions complexed with ligands like sulfate or carbonate, depending on the leachant used (acidic or alkaline). This means the uranium is dissolved in water-based liquid rather than remaining as a solid, metal, gas, or oxide.

The other forms don’t fit the outcome of leaching: uranium metal precipitating would require reduction and removal of the oxidized form, a gaseous form would imply volatilization, and a solid oxide would stay as a solid phase rather than being dissolved.