X-ray separation in diamond recovery uses X-rays to detect diamonds and an air jet to remove them from ore. Which option correctly describes this method?

X-ray separation in diamond recovery uses X-rays to detect diamonds and an air jet to remove them from ore. Which option correctly describes this method?

• A. An air jet-based physical separation
• B. Magnetic separation
• C. A chemical leaching process
• D. A method that uses X-rays to detect diamonds and an air jet to remove them

Answer: (D)

This question tests recognizing a method that combines detection with removal. X-ray separation uses X-ray sensors to identify diamonds as the ore moves along a belt, then an air jet is timed to blow the identified diamonds into a separate collection. The key idea is that the system automatically detects diamonds based on their X-ray response and then physically separates them in one continuous process. It’s not just a physical air-jet separation alone, and it’s not magnetic or chemical separation. Diamonds are non-magnetic and aren’t separated by chemistry in this context, so only a method that explicitly uses X-ray detection plus an air-jet removal fits.

This question tests recognizing a method that combines detection with removal. X-ray separation uses X-ray sensors to identify diamonds as the ore moves along a belt, then an air jet is timed to blow the identified diamonds into a separate collection. The key idea is that the system automatically detects diamonds based on their X-ray response and then physically separates them in one continuous process. It’s not just a physical air-jet separation alone, and it’s not magnetic or chemical separation. Diamonds are non-magnetic and aren’t separated by chemistry in this context, so only a method that explicitly uses X-ray detection plus an air-jet removal fits.