Q1: Electrostatic separation of minerals from each other is based on their differences in the following property.

ANS:C - Electrical conductivities.

Electrostatic separation of minerals from each other is based on their differences in electrical conductivities. Explanation: Electrostatic separation is a method used to separate minerals based on their ability to conduct electrical charges. It relies on the fact that different minerals have different electrical conductivities. When a mixture of minerals is subjected to an electric field, each mineral will acquire a charge proportional to its conductivity. As a result, minerals with different conductivities will be attracted to or repelled by the electrodes differently, allowing them to be separated. Here's how the process works:

1. Charging: The mixture of minerals is fed onto a conveyor belt or other surface where it is subjected to a high-voltage electric field. This electric field induces electrical charges on the surface of the minerals.
2. Separation: As the charged particles move through the electric field, they experience forces that cause them to be attracted to or repelled by oppositely charged electrodes. Minerals with higher conductivities tend to acquire stronger charges and are more strongly affected by the electric field, while minerals with lower conductivities are less affected.
3. Collection: The separated minerals are collected in different bins or channels based on their behavior in the electric field. This allows for the isolation of individual minerals or mineral fractions.

Electrostatic separation is particularly useful for separating minerals that have similar densities or magnetic properties but differ significantly in their electrical conductivities. It is commonly used in the mining and mineral processing industries for separating minerals such as cassiterite, rutile, zircon, and ilmenite from mineral sands, as well as for separating conductive and non-conductive fractions of electronic waste.