Question

Extraction of which metal from their ores require carbon? Name all of them.

Answer 1

Dear student,
The names and reaction are given. Hope it will help you.

Carbon reduction process: Carbon, the cheapest available reducing agent usually in the form of coke is employed in the extraction of the lead, zinc, iron and tin etc. The oxides of the metals (either naturally occurring or obtained by calcinations of the naturally occurring carbonates or roasting of the sulphies) are mixed with coke and heated in a suitable furnace. Carbon or carbon monoxide reduces the oxide to free metal. For example,

ZnO + C → Zn + CO

ZnO + CO → Zn + CO2

PbO + C → Pb + CO

PbO + CO → Pb + CO2

Fe2O3 + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO

Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

MnO2 + 2C → Mn + 2CO

Mn2O3 + 3C → 2Mn + 3CO

SnO + C → Sn + CO

SnO + CO → Sn + CO2

Thank you.