Question

In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the metal is finally obtained by the reduction of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) with ______.

Options

• Cuprous sulphide (Cu₂S)

• Iron sulphide (FeS)

• Sulphur dioxide (SO₂)

• Carbon monoxide (CO)

Answer 1

In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the metal is finally obtained by the reduction of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) with cuprous sulphide (Cu₂S).

Explanation:

In the Bessemerisation step of copper extraction, cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) reacts with cuprous sulphide (Cu₂S) in a self-reduction reaction to form metallic copper is:

\[\ce{2Cu2O + Cu2S -> 6Cu + SO2}\]

This is a key reaction in the extraction of copper from copper pyrites (CuFeS₂).