Question

Which process of metallurgy of copper is represented by the equation given below:
 ${\text{2CuFe}}{{\text{S}}_{\text{2}}} + {{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}} \to {\text{C}}{{\text{u}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{S}} + {\text{2FeS}} + {\text{S}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$
A) Concentration
B) Roasting
C) Reduction
D) Purification

Answer 1

Hint: In the given reaction, we can see that sulphide ore of copper is heated in the presence of air. To solve this we must know the term used for the reaction when ore is heated in the presence of air. The ore ${\text{CuFe}}{{\text{S}}_{\text{2}}}$ is an ore of copper and is known as copper pyrite.


Complete solution:We are given a reaction as follows:
${\text{2CuFe}}{{\text{S}}_{\text{2}}} + {{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}} \to {\text{C}}{{\text{u}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{S}} + {\text{2FeS}} + {\text{S}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$
In the given reaction, we can see that sulphide ore of copper is heated in the presence of air.
Roasting is a metallurgical process which is used for purifying the metals. In roasting, the ores of metals or the concentrated ores are heated at high temperature. The ores are heated in presence of air. Roasting is generally done for sulphide ores.
We know that roasting is a metallurgical process which is used for purifying the metals. The process of heating of ore to a high temperature in presence of air is known as roasting. During roasting, a large amount of acidic, metallic and other toxic compounds are released. Thus, roasting is an exothermic process.
The process of roasting is generally applied to sulphide minerals. During roasting, sulphide is converted to an oxide and sulphur dioxide gas is released. First the ore is concentrated. During concentration of the ore, the impurities are removed. The concentrated ore is then roasted to convert it to oxide.
Thus, the process of metallurgy of copper represented by the given equation is roasting.

Thus, the correct option is (B) compound.


Note:Roasting consists of gas-solid reactions which include oxidation, reduction, chlorination, sulphation and pyrohydrolysis. During roasting a large amount of acidic, metallic and other toxic compounds are released in the atmosphere. Thus, roasting is a source of air pollution.