Write all the steps in proper sequence of obtaining pure copper from the
ore in which it exists in nature.
Answers
Answer:
The concentrated ore is heated strongly with silicon dioxide (silica) and air or oxygen in a furnace or series of furnaces.
The copper(II) ions in the chalcopyrite are reduced to copper(I) sulfide (which is reduced further to copper metal in the final stage).
The iron in the chalcopyrite ends up converted into an iron(II) silicate slag which is removed.
Most of the sulfur in the chalcopyrite turns into sulfur dioxide gas. This is used to make sulfuric acid via the Contact Process.
An overall equation for this series of steps is:
2CuFeS2+2SiO2+4O2→Cu2S+2FeSiO3+3SO2
The copper(I) sulfide produced is converted to copper with a final blast of air.
Cu2S+O2→2Cu+SO2
The end product of this is called blister copper - a porous brittle form of copper, about 98 - 99.5% pure.
Explanation: