In the extraction of copper, metal is formed in the Bessemer converter due to which of the following reaction?

Options

A. `Cu_2S + 2Cu_2O rarr 6Cu + SO_2`
B. `Cu_2S rarr 2Cu + S`
C. `Fe + Cu_2O rarr 2Cu + FeO`
D. `2Cu_2O rarr 4Cu + O_2`

Answer

To solve the question regarding the extraction of copper in the Bessemer converter, we need to understand the reactions that occur during this process. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Understanding the Bessemer Converter
The Bessemer converter is a vessel used for the extraction of metals, particularly copper, from their ores. In this process, copper is typically extracted from copper sulfide (Cu₂S) through oxidation reactions.

**Hint:** Remember that the Bessemer converter involves oxidation reactions to convert sulfide ores into metal.

### Step 2: Reaction of Copper Sulfide
The primary reaction that occurs in the Bessemer converter involves the oxidation of copper(I) sulfide (Cu₂S) with oxygen (O₂) from the air. The reaction can be represented as follows:

\[ 2 \text{Cu}_2\text{S} + 3 \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 4 \text{Cu} + 2 \text{SO}_2 \]

In this reaction, copper sulfide reacts with oxygen to produce copper metal (Cu) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas.

**Hint:** Identify the reactants and products in the reaction to understand how copper is formed.

### Step 3: Balancing the Reaction
To ensure that the reaction is balanced, we check the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. The balanced equation shows that for every 2 moles of copper(I) sulfide, 3 moles of oxygen are required to produce 4 moles of copper and 2 moles of sulfur dioxide.

**Hint:** Balancing chemical equations is crucial to ensure the law of conservation of mass is followed.

### Step 4: Identifying the Correct Reaction
From the options provided in the question, we need to identify which reaction corresponds to the one occurring in the Bessemer converter. The correct reaction is the one that shows the conversion of copper sulfide to copper metal and sulfur dioxide.

**Hint:** Look for the reaction that includes copper sulfide as a reactant and produces copper metal.

### Conclusion
The metal formed in the Bessemer converter during the extraction of copper is due to the oxidation of copper(I) sulfide, resulting in the formation of copper metal and sulfur dioxide gas.

**Final Answer:** The reaction is \( 2 \text{Cu}_2\text{S} + 3 \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 4 \text{Cu} + 2 \text{SO}_2 \).