Question

Copper matte contains _________.
A. $C{{u}_{2}}O$, $C{{u}_{2}}S$
B. $C{{u}_{2}}O$, $FeS$
C. $C{{u}_{2}}S$, $FeS$
D. $C{{u}_{2}}S$, $FeO$

Answer 1

Hint An attempt to this question can be made by determining the metallurgical process of obtaining pure copper from its ore. Identify the composition of copper ore. Now determine the processes undergone by the ore to understand the formation of copper matter. Based on the chemical reaction you can determine the composition of copper matte as well.

Complete step by step solution:
Copper matte is an intermediate stage when the purification of copper is carried out. It is not preferred to directly smelt the ore into metal as this may cause unnecessary impurities to arise. Instead, the ore is smelted into a matte which is essentially a mixture of sulphides of copper and iron. This copper matte is then heated in a furnace (initially reverberatory which is now obsolete) to get the pure copper.
The purpose of carrying out this intermediate step is to eliminate most of the iron, silica, sulphur, and other gangue materials. Purification was done using this method also minimizes the loss of copper. Since copper sulphide and iron sulphide can mix with each other, a certain amount of silica has to be added to the mixture so that it combines with the $FeS$and a slag layer is formed separating both iron sulphide and copper sulphide which can be further purified by electrolysis.
Hence, the answer is ‘C. $C{{u}_{2}}S$, $FeS$’.

Additional information:
The furnaces that are used for smelting lately are known as flash furnaces. This is a newer technology than reverberatory furnaces, blast furnaces, and even electric furnaces. They decrease the energy consumption drastically and are also more environmentally friendly since it minimizes the emission of the toxic $S{{O}_{2}}$ gas.

Note: Matte smelting is used in other processes besides purification of copper too. The other metals that are purified using this process are nickel and lead.
Also, please do not get confused and mark your answer as ‘D. $C{{u}_{2}}S$, $FeO$’ iron oxide is formed but only after silica is added to the already formed matte to separate it from the $C{{u}_{2}}S$.