Question

In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the metal is formed by reduction of $C{u}_{2}O$ with__________.

• A. $FeS$
• B. $CO$
• C. $C{u}_{2}S$
• D. $S{O}_2$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$C{u}_{2}S$

In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the metal is formed by reduction of $C{u}_{2}O$ with $C{u}_{2}S$.
The sulphide ore of copper is heated in air until a part is converted to oxide and then further heating in the absence of air to let the oxide react with unchanged sulphide.
Self-reduction of CuS to Cu can be carried out in either Bessemer converter or Pierce-Smith converter.
$2C{u}_{2}S+3O_2\to 2C{u}_{2}O+2S{O}_2$
$2C{u}_{2}O+C{u}_{2}S\to 6Cu+S{O}_2$