Question

A sample of ore contains 34.0% malachite, a copper mineral. Malachite is 57.5% copper. What is the maximum amount of pure copper that could be extracted from 250 kg of the ore?

a) 86.25 kg
b) 143.75 kg
c) 172.5 kg
d) 250 kg

Answer 1

The maximum amount of pure copper that could be extracted from 250 kg of the ore is 48.875 kg.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the maximum amount of pure copper that could be extracted from the ore, we need to calculate the mass of malachite in the sample and then use its copper content to determine the mass of pure copper.

1. Mass of malachite = 34.0% of 250 kg = 0.34 * 250 kg = 85 kg
2. Mass of copper in malachite = 57.5% of 85 kg = 0.575 * 85 kg = 48.875 kg

Answer:

The maximum amount of pure copper that could be extracted from 250 kg of the ore is 48.875 kg.