Question

What happens during Bessemerization process of extraction of copper from copper pyrites?

• A. Au and Ag metals are deposited as anode mud.
• B. Impurities as As and Sb are removed as volatile oxides.
• C. Cu is obtained by auto reduction of Cu\(_2\)O and CuS.
• D. Iron is removed in the form of slag.

Hint:

In Bessemerization, copper is obtained by auto-reduction of copper ores like Cu\(_2\)O and CuS, while iron is removed as slag.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding Bessemerization.
Bessemerization is a process used for extracting copper from its ores, particularly copper pyrites (CuFeS\(_2\)). In this process, copper ores are heated in the presence of air, which oxidizes iron to form slag, while copper sulfides (CuS) and Cu\(_2\)O undergo auto-reduction to form pure copper metal.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Au and Ag metals are deposited as anode mud: Incorrect. This happens during the electrolytic refining of copper, not during Bessemerization.
(B) Impurities as As and Sb are removed as volatile oxides: Incorrect. While arsenic and antimony are impurities in copper ores, their removal occurs in different steps, not directly in Bessemerization.
(C) Cu is obtained by auto reduction of Cu\(_2\)O and CuS: Correct. During the Bessemer process, copper sulfides (CuS) and Cu\(_2\)O are reduced to form pure copper.
(D) Iron is removed in the form of slag: Incorrect. While iron is removed in the form of slag, this is not the primary function of the Bessemerization process in copper extraction.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct statement is that copper is obtained by auto-reduction of Cu\(_2\)O and CuS, corresponding to option (C).