Question

Cuprous ore among the following is (a) cuprite (b) malachite (c) chalcopyrites (d) azurite

Short answer

Cuprite is the cuprous ore.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

We are asked to identify the cuprous ore from the given options. A cuprous ore typically contains copper(I) ions, which have a chemical formula containing Cu⁺.

Familiarize Yourself with Ore Types

Ore classifications depend on the oxidation state and the type of compound. Cuprous ores contain Cu⁺ ions, while cupric ores contain Cu²⁺ ions. Knowing common ores and their compositions helps in identifying them.

Identify Each Ore's Composition

Let's examine the composition of each given ore: (a) Cuprite is primarily composed of Cu₂O and is a cuprous oxide ore. (b) Malachite consists of CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂ and is a cupric carbonate hydroxide ore. (c) Chalcopyrites is composed of CuFeS₂ and is a cupric iron sulfide ore. (d) Azurite contains Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂ and is a cupric carbonate hydroxide ore.

Select the Cuprous Ore

From the list, cuprite (Cu₂O) is the only ore containing copper in the +1 oxidation state, making it a cuprous ore.

Key concepts

Cuprous ores

Cuprous ores are types of mineral deposits from which copper in its +1 oxidation state, denoted as Cu⁺, can be extracted. These ores are fundamentally important in the field of metallurgy, as they serve as a major source of copper extraction. One well-known example of a cuprous ore is cuprite, with the chemical formula Cu₂O. Cuprite is composed of copper and oxygen, where copper exists in the +1 oxidation state.

Understanding cuprous ores and their identification is crucial for mining and metallurgical processes. It helps in distinguishing between ores that contain copper in different oxidation states, guiding how the copper can be effectively extracted and processed.

Copper(I) ions

Copper(I) ions, also known as cuprous ions, have the chemical symbol Cu⁺. These ions are characterized by the +1 oxidation state of copper, meaning that copper has lost one electron. In this state, copper typically forms compounds with non-metals such as oxygen or sulfur.

The presence of Cu⁺ ions is a distinguishing feature for identifying cuprous ores. In contrast to copper(II) ions, or Cu²⁺, which have lost two electrons and are found in cupric ores, copper(I) ions form different compounds due to their distinct chemical properties. Cuprite, a prominent cuprous ore, consists of copper as Cu⁺ and highlights the chemical behavior and tendencies of copper in the +1 state.

Oxidation state of copper

The oxidation state of a metal indicates the number of electrons that have been lost or gained by an atom in a compound. For copper, common oxidation states are +1 (cuprous) and +2 (cupric). These states affect the type of ore formed and the metal's chemical properties.

In the +1 oxidation state, copper forms cuprite (Cu₂O), where each copper atom has lost one electron. This state plays a role in the compound's characteristics, including its stability and reactivity. Identifying oxidation states helps in classifying ores and determining the suitable methods for extraction and usage.

• +1 oxidation state: Forms cuprous compounds, like Cu₂O.
• +2 oxidation state: Leads to cupric compounds, such as CuO or CuSO₄.

Recognizing the oxidation state is vital for processing and refining metals in the industry.

Ore composition

Understanding the composition of ores is vital for identifying and extracting valuable metals. Ores are naturally occurring solids with a specific internal structure and chemical composition. Each type of ore contains different compounds and elements that determine its classification and the methods for metal extraction.

For example, cuprite, a cuprous ore, consists of Cu₂O, indicating it contains copper in the +1 oxidation state. Other ores like malachite and azurite are composed of copper carbonates and hydroxides, where copper is in the +2 oxidation state.

• Cuprite: Composed of Cu₂O, copper in +1 state.
• Malachite: Contains copper carbonate hydroxide.
• Azurite: Made up of copper carbonate hydroxide.

By analyzing ore composition, metallurgists can determine how to efficiently extract and refine metals for industrial use.