Question

A metal M which is one of the best conductor of heat and electricity used in making electric wires is found in the nature as sulphide ore $M_{2}S$? Which process will be suitable for extraction of this metal M from its ore, $M_{2}S$? Write a balance chemical reaction involved in the process of extraction.

Answer 1

Metal ${}^{\prime }{M}^{\prime }$ is copper $\left(Cu\right)$ which is one of the best conductor of heat and electricity used in making electric wires is formed in nature as ${Cu}_{2}S$.

$\ast$ "Froth-floatation method" will be suitable for extraction of $Cu$ from its ore ${Cu}_{2}S$.

The balanced chemical equation:

$2{Cu}_{2}S+3O_2\to 2{Cu}_{2}O+2{SO}_2$

$2{Cu}_{2}O+{Cu}_{2}S\to 6Cu+{SO}_2$