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InterviewSolution
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Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) is a common ore of copper. Since it has low concentration of copper, the ore is first concentrated through froth floatation process. The concentrated ore is then heated strongly with silicon dioxide (silica) and oxygen in a furnace. The product obtained, copper(I) sulphide, is further converted to copper (99.5% pure) with a final blast of air (O2) during which sulphur dioxide is released as a by-product.i. Write a balanced reaction for the extraction of copper from copper(I) sulphide.ii. Which species undergoes an increase in the oxidation state?iii. Which species accepts electrons? |
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Answer» i. Cu2S + O2 → 2Cu + SO2 ii. Sulphur undergoes an increase in the oxidation state from -2 (in Cu2S) to +4 (in SO2). iii. Copper accepts one electron and undergoes a decrease in the oxidation state from +1(in Cu2S) to 0 (in Cu). Oxygen accepts two electrons and undergoes a decrease in the oxidation state from 0 (in O2) to -2 (in SO2). |
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