Question

Explain slag with suitable example.

Answer 1

Slag is a waste product formed by combination of flux and gangue during the extraction of metals by smelting process.

Slag is light material and insoluble in molten metal. Since slag forms a layer above molten metal, it prevents air oxidation of metal.

In the extraction of copper from copper pyrites slag of $FeSi{O}_3$ is obtained.

$\underset{\text{(flux)}}{Si{O}_2}+\underset{\text{(gangue)}}{FeO}\to \underset{\text{(slag)}}{FeSi{O}_3}$