What is the role of the rotating paddle in froth floatation?

Draws in air causing frothing

The correct answer is option 2. Draws in air causing frothing.

The role of the rotating paddle in froth flotation is: Draws in air causing frothing.

In froth flotation, the rotating paddle, also known as the agitator, serves to agitate the pulp (mixture of ore particles and water) in the flotation cell. As the paddle rotates, it creates turbulence and agitation in the pulp, which helps to disperse air into the pulp. The dispersed air bubbles attach to the hydrophobic (water-repellent) surfaces of the ore particles, forming a froth layer on the surface of the flotation cell. The froth layer carries the hydrophobic ore particles to the surface of the flotation cell, where they are collected as a concentrate. By drawing in air and causing frothing, the rotating paddle facilitates the attachment of air bubbles to the hydrophobic ore particles, thus aiding in the separation of valuable minerals from gangue minerals through froth flotation.