Extraction of Iron

Question 1

• How does the blast furnace work to extract iron from its ore?

Answer 1

• First hot air reacts with coke (carbon) to produce carbon dioxide ( co2) and heat energy to heat furnace.
• Next, more coke is added and turns carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide (2CO). Carbon monoxide is a good reducing agent.
• Finally, the oxide in iron oxide is reduced. The calcium carbonate in limestone thermally decomposes to form calcium oxide.