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During the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, the final step involves reducing cuprous oxide using which substance?

1. Copper(I) sulphide (Cu2S)
2. Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
3. Iron sulphide (FeS)
4. Carbon monoxide (CO)

Correct answer: Copper(I) sulphide (Cu2S)

Solution

The final (bessemerisation) step is self-reduction: 2Cu2O + Cu2S -> 6Cu + SO2. Here cuprous oxide is reduced by cuprous sulphide (Cu2S) itself, so the reducing substance is Cu2S.

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