Final answer:
When copper is produced from Cu₂S, the byproduct is sulfur dioxide (SO₂). The chalcocite ore is roasted in air leading to the formation of SO₂, which is part of the process of producing blister copper.
Step-by-step explanation:
When copper is produced from copper(I) sulfide (Cu₂S), by roasting it in air, the byproduct formed is sulfur dioxide (SO₂). The process includes the following reactions:
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- 2 Cu₂S + 3 O₂ → 2 Cu₂O + 2 SO₂
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- Cu₂O + Cu₂S → 6 Cu + SO₂
The sulfur dioxide is a significant product from roasting chalcocite. After this stage, blister copper is obtained, which is then purified electrolytically to obtain pure copper.
The presence of SO₂ is also important as it is a part of the overall reactions involved in the production of copper from its sulfide ore, chalcocite, the primary source of copper.