Reduction of copper (II) oxide by carbon; 2CuO + C = 2Cu + CO2

Carbon is above copper in reactivity series so element carbon can reduce ions of copper, such as Cu2+ ions in CuO: 2CuO (s) + C (s) → 2Cu (s) + CO2 (g) Reaction takes place after a few minutes of heating of the mixture. Examination of the products confirms the presence of a microscopic nuggets of copper. TUTORING Introductory and Advanced high school Chemistry CBSE, Edexcel, etc inquire at [email protected]