Question

What is the composition of 'Copper matte'?

Answer 1

Hint: First we should be aware of the name of the copper matte as that suggest us the presence of both the copper and sulphur in there due to the words used. Now after this we get to work through the process through which it is derived and treated in order to get better view at orientation.

Complete Step by step answer: Here in the given question statement the question is regarding the process though which the copper matte is treated and the nature of the material as that would provide us the correct composition of the given material. Now we will get many components through the name only.
Now lets give a step by answer to the given question:
First of all we should be aware with the fact that as mentioned in the name the material does have copper in its orientation. Now after that we can also justify that Copper Matte is the mixture of copper sulphide, \[C{u_2}S\] as the use of the word matte suggests. (do observe the note for this justification). Apart from that it also have some iron sulphide, \[FeS\] .
Now talking about the word matte, it is the phase where copper is extracted prior to the final reduction. Then after this the left roasted ore is then mixed with a blend of coke and silica (sand), \[Si{O_2}\] . After this they are moved to the blast furnace.
Here, the hot air is then blasted and the \[FeO\] is also converted in to ferrous silicate, \[\left( {FeSi{O_3}} \right).\;FeSi{O_3}\] (slag) floats over the molten matte of copper.

Note: Matte is a term used in the field of pyrometallurgy given to the molten metal sulfide phases typically formed during smelting of copper, nickel, and other base metals. Typically, a matte is the phase in which the principal metal being extracted is recovered prior to a final reduction process (usually converting) to produce a crude metal.