Iron metal is extracted in a blast furnace by the reduction of iron oxides in iron ore - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question B - 2015
Question B
Iron metal is extracted in a blast furnace by the reduction of iron oxides in iron ore. The ore is present in the charge added at the top of the furnace while hot ai... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Iron metal is extracted in a blast furnace by the reduction of iron oxides in iron ore - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question B - 2015
Step 1
Name the two other substances present in the charge.
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Answer
The two other substances present in the charge are coke (charcoal or carbon, C) and limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃).
Step 2
Write a balanced equation for the reduction of iron(III) oxide to iron in the furnace.
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Answer
The balanced equation for the reduction of iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) to iron (Fe) is:
ightarrow 2 ext{Fe} + 3 ext{CO}$$
Step 3
Use balanced equations to show how a major impurity in the iron ore reacts to form slag.
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A major impurity in iron ore is silicon dioxide (SiO₂). The reactions are as follows:
The initial reaction is:
ightarrow ext{CaSiO}_3$$
(This forms calcium silicate, which is slag.)
Another step involves limestone:
ightarrow ext{CaO} + ext{CO}_2$$
(The limestone breaks down to form calcium oxide which then reacts with silicon dioxide.)
Step 4
Give one harmful effect that iron extraction by blast furnace could have on the environment.
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One harmful effect of iron extraction by blast furnace is the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
Step 5
How could this effect be minimised?
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This effect can be minimised by implementing scrubbers to reduce CO₂ emissions, using alternative methods such as electrolysis for iron extraction, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources in the blast furnace process.
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