Question

Answer the following questions with reference to the extraction of copper from its ore.

In the Bessemer converter, copper sulphide is reduced to copper by which one of the following reactions?

Options

• \[\ce{Cu2S + FeO -> 2Cu + FeO + S}\]

• \[\ce{Cu2S + FeS -> 2Cu + FeS}\]

• \[\ce{Cu2S + 2Cu2O -> 6Cu + SO2}\]

• \[\ce{Cu2S + Fe -> 2Cu + FeS}\]

Answer 1

\[\ce{\mathbf{Cu_2S + 2Cu_2O \leftarrow 6Cu + SO_2}}\]

Explanation:

In the Bessemer converter, cuprous oxide (\ceCu2O\ce{Cu2O}\ceCu2O) reacts with cuprous sulphide (\ceCu2S\ce{Cu2S}\ceCu2S) in a self‑reduction step to produce metallic copper and SO₂; the molten product collected is blister copper (~98% Cu).