Question

In the aluminothermic process, aluminium acts as?

• A. Flux
• B. Reducing agent
• C. Solder
• D. An oxidizing agent

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Reducing agent

Explanation of the correct option:

Option (B): reducing agent

• Aluminothermic processes are very useful in metallurgy, as it is used in the conversion of some metal oxides to their respective metals since some metal oxides cannot be reduced satisfactorily by carbon.
• So, for these metals, which have a strong affinity for aluminium, so it can reduce certain metal oxides such as ${\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ and $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{r}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ to their corresponding metals.
• Thus in the aluminothermic process, aluminium which is a more reactive element is used as a reducing agent to reduce other, metal oxides to their respective metals.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option (A): flux

• Flux is known as any substance introduced in the smelting of ores to promote fluidity and to remove objectionable impurities in the form of slag.
• In the aluminothermic process, aluminium is basically used as a reducing agent and not used as a flux.
• Thus, the given option is an incorrect one.

Option (C): solder

• For the aluminothermic process, aluminium which is a more reactive element is used as a reducing agent to reduce other, metal oxides to their respective metals.
• Hence, the given option does not coincide with the correct concept.

Option (D): an oxidizing agent

• Aluminium is used as a reducing agent in the aluminothermic process, to reduce other, metal oxides to their respective metals.
• Thus, aluminium cant act as an oxidizing agent in the aluminothermic process.

Therefore, in the aluminothermic process, aluminium acts as an option (B) reducing agent.