Question: Copper refining traditionally involves roasting insoluble sulfide ores (CuS) with oxygen. Unfortunately, the process produces large quantities of SO 2 (g), which is a major

Copper refining traditionally involves “roasting” insoluble sulfide ores (CuS) with oxygen. Unfortunately, the process produces large quantities of SO2(g), which is a major contributor to pollution and acid rain. An alternative process involves treating the sulfide ore with HNO3(aq), which dissolves the CuS without generating any SO2. The unbalanced chemical expression for the reaction is given below.

CuS(s)+ NO3-(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + NO(g) + HSO4-(aq)     (not balanced)

What volume of concentrated nitric acid solution is required per kilogram of CuS? Assume that the concentrated nitric acid solution is 70% HNO3 by mass and has a density of 1.40 g/mL.

Step by Step Solution

3.27 Rating (162 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

To balance the chemical equation we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the s... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related General Chemistry Principles Questions!