Question

The most common source of copper (Cu) is the mineral chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). How many kilograms of chalcopyrite must be mined to obtain 200. 5 ofpure Cu?Express your answer to three significant figures and include the appropriate units

Answer 1

To find out the answer, we must know the mass percentage of Cu in the mineral chalcopyrite.

Mass percentage of Cu = molar mass of Cu/molar mass of chalcopyrite = 64/(64+56+32*2) = 34.8%.

So to obtain 210 g pure Cu, the amount of mineral need = mass of Cu/mass percentage of Cu = 210 g/34.8% = 603 g = 0.603 kg.