Question

In the extraction of copper from copper pyrites, iron is removed as:
A. $FeS{O_4}$
B. $FeSi{O_3}$
C. $F{e_3}{O_4}$
D. $F{e_2}{O_3}$

Answer 1

Copper pyrites is the mineral of copper from which we can extract the copper. The process of extraction of metal from an ore or a mineral involves several steps. One of such steps will remove the unwanted iron from these minerals.

Complete step by step answer:
The metallurgy is a process in which metal is extracted out in its pure form from their ores. The metallurgical process for the extraction of a metal involves many steps like crushing, concentration of ore, hydrolytic method, magnetic separation, froth floatation, roasting and calcination.
In the extraction of copper from copper pyrites ($CuFe{S_2}$), the first step is the crushing and grinding of the ore. Then the ore undergoes a concentration process by froth flotation. This concentrated ore will be subjected to roasting with oxygen to form the copper matte which is the mixture of $C{u_2}S$ and $FeS$. After the blasting with oxygen, we get $FeSi{O_3}$ as slag. This slag is removed in the process of extraction. In the extraction of copper from copper pyrites, iron will be removed as $FeSi{O_3}$ which is the slag.
Therefore the correct answer is option B.

Note:
Do not get confused with the difference between the ore and minerals involved in the metallurgy. The ore is the mineral from which the metal can be extracted easily and economically. So, all the ores are minerals but all the minerals are not the ore of the metal to be extracted.