Which of the following raw materials would be required from the smelting of iron ore in a blast furnace?
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Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:
The correct answer is A: CaCO₃.
In the smelting of iron ore in a blast furnace, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), commonly in the form of limestone, is used as a flux. The role of limestone in the blast furnace is to combine with impurities like silica (SiO₂) in the ore, forming calcium silicate (CaSiO₃), which is removed as slag. This helps to purify the iron and separate the impurities.
The reaction involving calcium carbonate (limestone) is:
\[
CaCO_3 \rightarrow CaO + CO_2
\]
The calcium oxide (CaO) then reacts with silica to form calcium silicate (slag).
Therefore, CaCO₃ is the required raw material in the blast furnace for the smelting of iron ore.
The correct answer is A: CaCO₃.
In the smelting of iron ore in a blast furnace, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), commonly in the form of limestone, is used as a flux. The role of limestone in the blast furnace is to combine with impurities like silica (SiO₂) in the ore, forming calcium silicate (CaSiO₃), which is removed as slag. This helps to purify the iron and separate the impurities.
The reaction involving calcium carbonate (limestone) is:
\[
CaCO_3 \rightarrow CaO + CO_2
\]
The calcium oxide (CaO) then reacts with silica to form calcium silicate (slag).
Therefore, CaCO₃ is the required raw material in the blast furnace for the smelting of iron ore.