Question

In the extraction of copper from copper pyrites, iron is removed as:
A. \[FeS{O_4}\]
B. \[FeSi{O_3}\]
C. \[F{e_3}{O_4}\]
D. \[F{e_2}{O_3}\]

Answer 1

Hint: Copper is mainly extracted from an ore known as copper pyrite. There are various steps that are involved while extracting copper from this ore. The basic skeleton of the processes involved in this extraction can be listed as:
Crushing and concentration of ore – roasting of concentrated ore – smelting of roasted ore – bessemerisation of the smelted ore – further refining

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
These steps mentioned above are followed in this particular order to ensure the proper processing and extraction of copper from the copper pyrite ore.
Now, iron is one of the impurities that is found in this ore. To remove this, we must first crush and concentrate the ore. This is done by first pulverizing the ore and then concentrating it by a process known as froth floatation. After this, we must roast the ore. Roasting means heating the ore in excess supply of air to remove moisture and volatile impurities. Some of the non – metallic impurities like sulphur, phosphorous, etc are also removed during this process.
Now, once the concentrated ore is roasted, we pass the roasted ore along with coke and silica in a blast furnace. This is done to remove the ferric impurities from the ore. The iron is usually present in the form of its sulphide compound, i.e. FeS. This FeS is removed by adding \[Si{O_2}\] to the furnace. This causes the FeS to react with \[Si{O_2}\] , which results in the formation of \[FeSi{O_3}\] . This is removed as a slag from the furnace, and the remaining ore is made through other different processes. The chemical reaction for this can be given as:
 \[FeS + Si{O_2} \to FeSi{O_3}\]
Hence, Option B is the correct option

Note: Mostly copper is used in electrical equipment such as wiring and motors. This is because it conducts both heat and electricity very well and can be drawn into wires. It also has uses in construction and industrial machinery.