Question

Copper that is extracted from cuprite is a /an:
A.Sulphide Ore
B.Carbonate Ore
C.Oxide ore
D.Halide ore

Answer 1

Hint: The ores of any metal are formed on the basis of the ability of the metal ions to form bonds or pair up with the anions present in the ore. Copper is extracted from a red colored solid used in antifouling.

Complete step by step Solution:
Let us have a look at some of the most important ores and minerals of copper:
Chalcopyrite or $\text{CuFe}{{\text{S}}_{2}}$ - a mineral of copper with iron and sulphide.
Chalcocite or $\text{C}{{\text{u}}_{2}}\text{S}$ - cuprous sulphide.
Covellite or $\text{CuS}$ - cupric sulphide
Cuprite or $\text{C}{{\text{u}}_{2}}\text{O}$ - cuprous oxide.
Among all the ores of copper, most of them are sulphide ores which proves the deep affinity of copper for sulphide ions. Only a few ores of copper are oxide ores, and one among them is the cuprite or the cuprous oxide.

Hence, the correct answer is option C, oxide ore.

Notes: Due to the high affinity of the copper for the sulphide group, it is known as a chalcogenide metal. Any metal that has mostly sulphide ores are called chalcogenides. A chalcogenide metal, during the process of the purification of the ore is purified by the ‘froth-floatation’ process as mostly sulphide ores are purified by this method. These ores are then roasted in air to convert them to the respective oxides which are converted to the respective metals by purification. The mud obtained after the purification of the metallic copper by electrolysis is called “red mud”.