BITSAT2024ChemistryGeneral Principles and Processes of Isolation of MetalsActual
The chemical composition of 'slag' formed during the smelting process in the extraction of copper is
Options
- ACu ₂ O + FeS
- BFeSiO ₃
- CCuFeS ₂
- DCu ₂ ~S + FeO
Correct answer
B. FeSiO ₃
Step-by-step solution
During the extraction of copper, iron is present in the ore as impurity (FeS). The ore together with a little coke and silica is smelted; FeS present as impurity in the ore is oxidized to iron oxide, which then reacts with silica to form fusible ferrous silicate which is removed as slag. 2 FeS +3 O ₂ 2 FeO +2 SO ₂