In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the metal is finally obtained by the reduction of cuprous oxide…

In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the metal is finally obtained by the reduction of cuprous oxide with:
A Carbon monoxide (CO)
B Copper (I) sulphide ($Cu_2S$)
C Sulphur dioxide ($SO_2$)
D Iron sulphide (FeS)

Detailed Solution

In the Bessemer converter part of $Cu_2S$ is oxidised: $2Cu_2S + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2Cu_2O + 2SO_2$
The $Cu_2O$ formed is then reduced by the remaining $Cu_2S$: $2Cu_2O + Cu_2S \rightarrow 6Cu + SO_2$
This is self-reduction (auto-reduction), and the copper obtained is blister copper.

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Practise Extraction of copper All 2 questions This chapter in 2012 AIPMT-PRE