Question

What is the role of coke in the extraction of iron from its oxide?

Answer 1

coke acts a reducing agent and helps in reduction of Fe2O3 to Fe

Answer 2

Role of coke in the extraction of iron from its oxide :

• Coke is a very good reducing agent.

• It acts as the main source of heat in the blast furnace in which the iron extraction process is carried out.

• Coke burns in the hot air (O₂) blasted in the furnace to form carbon monoxide, which reduces the iron (III) oxide to iron.

C(s) + O₂ → CO(g) + heat

Fe₂O₃(s) + 3CO(g) → 2Fe(l) + 3CO₂(g)

• The heat produced by the burning of coke is high enough to melt the iron extracted in the blast furnace and move it out of the furnace through the outlet pipes.