There are two steps in the extraction of copper metal from chalcocite, a copper ore. In the first step, copper (I) sulfide and oxygen react to form copper (I) oxide and sulfur dioxide:2 Cu_2 S (s) + 3 O_2 (g) rightarrow 2 Cu_2 O (s) + 2 SO_2 (g) In the second step, copper (I) oxide and carbon react to form copper and carbon monoxide: Cu_2 O (s) + C (s) rightarrow 2 Cu (s) + CO (g) Write the net chemical equation for the production of copper from copper (I) sulfide, oxygen and carbon. Be sure your equation is balanced.

2Cu₂S (s) + 2C (s) + 3O₂ → 4Cu (s) + 2CO (g) + 2SO₂ (g)

Explanation:

First step, copper (I) sulfide and oxygen react to form copper (I) oxide and sulfur dioxide.

2Cu₂S (s) + 3O₂ (g) → 2Cu₂O (s) + 2SO₂ (g)

Second step, copper (I) oxide and carbon react to form copper and carbon monoxide:

Cu₂O (s) + C (s) → 2 Cu (s) + CO (g)

Net chemical equation for the production of copper from copper (I) sulfide, oxygen and carbon.

We do this by merging the reactants of both steps alongside the products of both reactants.

Cu₂S (s) + C (s) + O₂ → Cu (s) + CO (g) + SO₂ (g)

The equation above is not balanced because the number of atoms of the elements (Specifically Cu and O) are different when compared in the reactant and product side.

Number of atoms of Copper (Cu)

Reactant = 2, Product = 1

Number of atoms of Sulphur (S)

Reactant = 1, Product = 1

Number of atoms of Carbon (C)

Reactant = 1, Product = 1

Number of atoms of Oxygen (O)

Reactant = 2, Product = 3

We balance the equation by adding appropriate number as coefficients to make the number of atoms balanced on both sides.

Upon balancing, we now have;

2Cu₂S (s) + 2C (s) + 3O₂ → 4Cu (s) + 2CO (g) + 2SO₂ (g)

To check if it is balanced;

Number of atoms of Copper (Cu)

Reactant = 4, Product = 4

Number of atoms of Sulphur (S)

Reactant = 2, Product = 2

Number of atoms of Carbon (C)

Reactant = 2, Product = 2

Number of atoms of Oxygen (O)

Reactant = (3 * 2) = 6, Product = (2 + 2*2) = 2 + 4 = 6

Equation is now balanced!