Consider the thermal decomposition of the basic copper carbonate ore, Malachite, during the calcinat — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The formula for Malachite is $CuCO_3 \cdot Cu(OH)_2$. The calcination reaction is: $CuCO_3 \cdot Cu(OH)_2 \xrightarrow{\Delta} 2CuO_{(s)} + H_2O_{(g)} + CO_{2(g)}$. The decomposition yields 1 mole of water vapour and 1 mole of carbon dioxide per mole of ore, resulting in a total of 2 moles of gaseous products.