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How did we recover the copper metal from CuSO4?

User Nakeema
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Final answer:

To recover copper metal from CuSO4, the compound is heated to decompose it into CuO and SO2 gas. Then, CuO reacts with the remaining CuS to form metallic copper. The copper obtained is impure and is called blister copper.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recovery of copper metal from CuSO4 involves a series of chemical reactions. First, when CuSO4 is heated, it decomposes into CuO and SO2 gas. Then, CuO reacts with the remaining CuS to form metallic copper (Cu) and SO2 gas. This process is known as reduction. The copper obtained is impure and is called blister copper.

In industry, blister copper is cast into large plates and used as anodes in the electrolytic refining of copper, where impurities are removed. This process is described in the chapter on electrochemistry.

User Mike Hearn
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