Chemistry | 1

Unit – 7
Studies of Heavy Metals
7.1 Copper

Discussion Questions / Homework

1. In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the metal is finally
obtained by reduction of cuprous oxide.
a. Which process is used to convert sulphide ore into the oxide?
Explain briefly and write all reactions involved in it.
b. What happens when the final product obtained after
bessemerisation and purification, react with air at high
temperature and dilute nitric acid?
2. In the extraction of copper from copper pyrites, the ore is first
concentrated by froth floatation, and then heated in a furnance. The
overall equation can be considered as,
2 CuFeS2 + 2SiO2 + 4O2 ¾® Cu2S + 2 FeSiO3 + 3SO2
The Cu2S is converted into copper using a blast of air.
a. How does the iron impurities separate from the sulphide ore?
Write the process involved in it for removal of iron impurities.
Why complete removal of FeS is most ?
b. Write the equation for the reaction of Cu 2S with the final blast of
air.
c. The equation you have written in part [b] is redox reaction. Which
is the reducing agent? Explain your answer. What happens to
SO2?
3. In the purification, some copper ores can be turned into copper by a
process of electrolysis, which involves a chemical reaction.
a. What could you use as the anode and cathode? Write the main
cathode and anode reaction showing figure of electrolysis.
b. Explain what happens to metal like zinc which may be present in
the impure copper, and which are above copper in the
electrochemical series.
4. Copper metal is obtained from its ores, by using the different
metallurgy process.
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a. When copper wire is put into a solution of silver nitrate, beautiful
crystals are deposited on the surface of the copper. What are these
crystal chemically? Write the reaction involved.
b. Give any chemical equation in which copper acts as reducing
agent.
c. What is copper matte? Write the important uses of copper metal.
5. A chemical reaction is carried out in which a light blue coloured
precipitate, Cu(OH)2 is obtained by addition of caustic soda in the
solution '[X]'.
a. What is the chemical formula of solution '[X]'. Write the
commercial method for the preparation of solution ‘X’ with
chemical equation.
b. What happens when solution (X) is crystallized? Give chemical
equation in which solution (X) shows acidic nature.
c. What happens, if crystallized solution (X) is heated at 230°C ?
Also, state the chemical equation obtained after reaction with i)
ammonia and ii) aq. KI.
d. Give any one method of conversion of solution (X) into cupric
oxide with chemical equations.

Additional Practice Questions:

1. Bluish green patches are formed on the surface of Cu-utensils when

exposed to moist air. Explain why?
2. How do you convert black oxide of Cu to red oxide and vice-versa?
3. It is not possible to store aq. CuSO4 in a Zn container. Explain why?
4. Name any one alloy of each of ;
a. Copper and zinc
b. Copper and Tin
5. What is effect of heat on copper sulphate penta hydrate?
6. Give the chemical reaction for the following;
a. Copper is exposed to moist air.
b. Conversion of copper into blue vitriol
7. Write the important use of following,
a. Red oxide of copper
b. Black oxide of copper
c. Blue vitriol
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8. How does copper reacts with,
a. Conc. H2SO4
b. conc. HNO3
9. What is Schweitzer’s reagent? How is it prepared?