Question

Among the following, the main reactions occurring in blast furnace during extraction of iron from haematite are 1. $Fe_{2}O_{3} + 3CO \to 2Fe + 3CO_{2}$ 2. $FeO + SiO_{2} \to FeSiO_{3}$ 3. $Fe_{2}O_{3} + 3C \to 2Fe + 3CO$ 4. $CaO + SiO_{2} \to CaSiO_{3}$

• A. 2 and 3
• B. 1 and 4
• C. 1 and 2
• D. 3 and 4

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The correct option is(B): 1 and 4.

The main reactions occurring in a blast furnace during the extraction of iron from hematite involve the reduction of iron oxide (Fe2O3) to iron (Fe) and the removal of impurities through slag formation. Let's analyze the provided reactions and justify the answer:

2Fe2O3 + 3CO → 4Fe + 3CO2 This reaction represents the reduction of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) with carbon monoxide (CO) to produce iron (Fe) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This is a crucial step in the blast furnace process, where carbon monoxide acts as a reducing agent.

CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3 This reaction represents the formation of slag, which is a combination of calcium oxide (CaO) and silicon dioxide (SiO2). Slag is used to absorb impurities and create a layer above the molten iron. It helps in removing non-metallic impurities from the iron.

Reactions 2 and 3 are not typically the main reactions occurring in a blast furnace for iron extraction. Reactions 1 and 4 are indeed the key reactions that explain the reduction of iron oxide to iron and the formation of slag to remove impurities.

so, reactions 1 and 4 are the main reactions occurring in a blast furnace during the extraction of iron from hematite. These reactions involve the reduction of iron oxide and the formation of slag, respectively, which are essential steps in the iron extraction process.