The phase in which uranium resides after leaching is?

The phase in which uranium resides after leaching is?

• A. Aqueous solution
• B. Gaseous form
• C. Solid ore
• D. Plasma

Answer: (A)

Leaching dissolves the mineral into a liquid, so after leaching the uranium is present as dissolved species in water. The leachant (acid or carbonate solution) breaks down the ore and carries uranium into the aqueous phase as uranyl ions or complexes, producing an aqueous solution that contains the uranium. The solid ore is left behind as residue, and there’s no gas or plasma involvement in this step. Therefore, the uranium resides in the aqueous solution after leaching.

Leaching dissolves the mineral into a liquid, so after leaching the uranium is present as dissolved species in water. The leachant (acid or carbonate solution) breaks down the ore and carries uranium into the aqueous phase as uranyl ions or complexes, producing an aqueous solution that contains the uranium. The solid ore is left behind as residue, and there’s no gas or plasma involvement in this step. Therefore, the uranium resides in the aqueous solution after leaching.