In which of the following industries is rock phosphate utilized?
2022
In which of the following industries is rock phosphate utilized?
Answer: C. Fertilizer Industry — CONCEPTIndustrial raw materials can be matched to industries by identifying the useful chemical element they supply and the product made from it. A…
- A.
Cement Industry
- B.
Iron-steel Industry
- C.
Fertilizer Industry
- D.
Cotton textile Industry
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
CONCEPT
Industrial raw materials can be matched to industries by identifying the useful chemical element they supply and the product made from it.
A phosphorus-rich mineral is processed where phosphorus-bearing plant nutrients are manufactured.
APPLICATION
Rock phosphate is the principal mineral source of phosphorus. It is processed into phosphoric acid and phosphatic fertilizers such as superphosphate and ammonium phosphate. Therefore, the relevant industry is the Fertilizer Industry.
CONTRAST
Cement Industry chiefly processes limestone and clay into clinker and cement.
Iron-steel Industry chiefly processes iron ore with coke and fluxes to make iron and steel.
Cotton textile Industry processes cotton fibre into yarn and fabric.
CROSS-CHECK
FAO reports that about 90 percent of world phosphate-rock production is used by the fertilizer industry to manufacture phosphorus fertilizers, confirming the result.