Pure copper may be produced by the reaction of copper(I) sulfide with oxygen gas as follows: #Cu_2S(s) + O_2(g) -> 2Cu(s) + SO_2(g)#. What mass of copper(I) sulfide is required in order to prepare 0.650 kg of copper metal?

1 Answer
Mar 14, 2017

We require #~=732*g# ore...................

Explanation:

You have given the stoichiometric equation that represents reduction of cuprous sulfide:

#Cu_2S(s) + O_2(g) rarr 2Cu(s) + SO_2(g)#

Sulfur is oxidized; copper and oxygen are reduced.

#"Moles of copper"=(650*g)/(63.55*g*mol^-1)=10.3*mol#.

Given the equation, there is HALF AN EQUIVALENT of copper ore, i.e. #5.11*mol# of #Cu_2S# are required.

And this represents a mass of #5.1*molxx143.1*g*mol^-1#

#~=732*g#

I think the ore is the mineral #"chalcosite"#, which is approx. 80% metal by mass. Because of the high metal content, this is one of the most valuable copper ores.