In steelmaking, the oxidizing power of slag is important for controlling the chemical reactions during the process. The oxidizing power depends on the ability of slag to react with impurities, particularly carbon and sulfur, and to oxidize them into the slag phase.
Step 1: Understanding the slag components
- SiO\(_2\) (Option A): Silicon dioxide is an acidic component of slag and is primarily involved in the formation of silicate compounds, not in oxidizing power.
- CaO (Option B): Calcium oxide, also known as lime, helps in fluxing and removing impurities but is not the primary oxidizing agent.
- MgO (Option C): Magnesium oxide is also a component of slag, but it primarily acts as a stabilizer and flux, not an oxidizer.
- FeO (Option D): Iron(II) oxide is responsible for the oxidizing power in steelmaking slags. FeO can act as an oxidizing agent, promoting the oxidation of carbon and other impurities in the slag phase.
Step 2: Conclusion
The component responsible for the oxidizing power of steelmaking slags is FeO (Option D).