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Question

The oxidation state of Cu and Fe in CuFeS2 are ___ and___respectively


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Solution

Copper pyrite or CuFeS2 exists as Cu2S. Fe2S3 . The oxidation states of Cu and Fe are nominally considered to be +1 and +3 respectivel

Now that we know how the mineral actually exists, we can easily calculate the required pxidations states. Sulphur exists in its -2 oxidation state as sulphide.

For Cu2S to be neutral, Cu should exist in +1 oxidation state.

Let the oxidation state of Iron be x. In Fe2S3 , since the molecule is neutral:

2(x) + 3(-2) = 0

Solving, we get x = +3


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