2. Explain the steps for the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore. Write the balanced chemical equation for the reactions involved.
Answers
In the extraction of copper from its Sulphide Ore, when ore is subjected to roasting some of it is oxidised to Cu2O which reacts with the remaining Cu2S to give copper metal. In this process, Cu2S behaves as reducing agent.
☺Steps by Steps
☛Concentration of the ore (removal of unwanted metals and gangue to purify the ore) is done by Froth floatation method as it is a sulphide ore.
☛Roasting: Copper glance (Cu2S) is roasted in the presence of air.
☛Reduction: Copper oxide is then heated in the absence of air.
Write the balance.........xd ☺
By the end of this section, you will be able to:-
☛Derive chemical equations from narrative descriptions of chemical reactions.
☛Write and balance chemical equations in molecular, total ionic, and net ionic formats.
☛When atoms gain or lose electrons to yield ions, or combine with other atoms to form molecules, their symbols are modified or combined to generate chemical formulas that appropriately represent these species.
☛Consider as an example the reaction between one methane molecule (CH4) and two diatomic oxygen molecules (O2) to produce one carbon dioxide molecule (CO2) and two water molecules (H2O).