Question

The type of iron obtained from the Blast furnace in the extraction of iron is:

• A. Wrought iron
• B. Pig iron
• C. Cast iron
• D. Steel

Hint:

- Pig Iron: Direct product of the blast furnace; high carbon content makes it brittle.
- Wrought Iron: Highly pure iron, obtained by further refining pig iron.
- Cast Iron: Remelted pig iron with lower carbon content; used in machinery and construction.
- Steel: Alloy of iron with carbon and other elements for strength and flexibility.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Blast Furnace Process - The blast furnace is used for extracting iron from its ore (hematite or magnetite).
- The raw materials used include iron ore, coke, and limestone, which undergo reduction reactions to produce molten iron.
- The first product obtained from the blast furnace is pig iron, which contains high amounts of carbon (about 3.5 - 4.5%), making it brittle and hard.
Step 2: Explanation of Other Types of Iron - Wrought Iron: It is nearly pure iron with very low carbon content and is obtained by further refining pig iron.
- Cast Iron: It is made by remelting pig iron and has a slightly lower carbon content (2-3%).
- Steel: It is an alloy of iron with carbon and other elements and is not directly obtained from the blast furnace. 
Final Answer: The correct answer is Pig Iron (Option B).