Question

One major ore of copper is copper pyrite, CuFeS2.To extract copper from the ore, the ore is crushed, then undergoes froth

floatation and finally roasted in the air. The metal is then purified by electrolysis.
Why does the copper ore have to undergo froth-floatation?

a) To increase the concentration of copper in the ore.
b) To remove impurities from the ore.
c) To enhance the color of the copper.
d) To make the ore more conductive.

Answer 1

The purpose of froth flotation in the isolation of copper is to increase the concentration of copper in the ore by separating the copper minerals from the rest of the materials.

Step-by-step explanation:

The copper ore must undergo froth flotation for a very specific purpose in the process of extracting copper. The correct answer to why copper ore must undergo froth flotation is a) To increase the concentration of copper in the ore. During the froth flotation process, the crushed ore is mixed with water and chemicals that cause copper sulfide minerals to attach to bubbles and float to the surface, where they can be collected.

This step effectively separates the copper minerals from the rest of the material, thus increasing the overall concentration of copper. Other substances remain in the water and are removed as waste. Therefore, froth flotation is a preparatory step in the purification and isolation of copper, which increases the efficiency of subsequent processes such as roasting and electrolysis.