Question

Which of the following is the chief ore of copper?
A.Copper
B.Copper pyrite
C.Sphalerite
D.Siderite

Answer 1

Hint: The technological and scientific method used in isolation of metal from its ore is termed as metallurgy.

Complete step by step answer:
Ore is the substance from which a metal is extracted. There are four chief ores from which copper can be extracted, such as, copper pyrites $\left( {{\rm{CuFe}}{{\rm{S}}_{\rm{2}}}} \right)$, malachite $\left( {{\rm{CuC}}{{\rm{O}}_3},Cu{{\left( {OH} \right)}_2}} \right)$, cuprite $\left( {{\rm{C}}{{\rm{u}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{O}}} \right)$and copper glance $\left( {{\rm{C}}{{\rm{u}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{S}}} \right)$.
Let’s find the correct option from the given options.
Option A is copper. Copper is the metal and it is not an ore. So, option A is incorrect.
Option B is copper pyrites. Copper pyrites is an ore of copper.
Option C is sphalerite. Sphalerite is the ore of zinc whose chemical formula is ZnS. So, option C is incorrect.
Option D is siderite. Siderite is ore of iron whose chemical formula is ${\rm{FeC}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{3}}}$. So, option D is incorrect.

Hence, the correct option is B, copper pyrites.

Additional Information:
Only 2 to 3 percent of copper pyrites is copper. The remaining composition of the ore is of iron in the form of sulphide, silica, siliceous materials, sulphur, etc. as impurities. So, for concentration of ore, froth floatation method is used. The concentrated ore produced consists of 25 to 30 percent of copper. After that, smelting of ore is done in a blast furnace. Then the oxide of copper is reduced to metallic copper using coke.

Note:
There are many steps involved in extraction and isolation of metals from ores. First step is concentration of ore, second step is isolation of metal from its concentrated ore and the last process in purification of metal.