Question

In the extraction of some metals from their ores, coke can be used as:

• A. Oxidizing agent
• B. Reducing agent
• C. Catalyst
• D. Flux

Answer 1

The correct option is B Reducing agent

Metals below carbon in the reactivity series can be extracted using carbon. Carbon reduces the metal oxides that are extracted when heated.

For example, the common ores of iron are both iron oxides, and these can be reduced to iron by heating them with carbon in the form of coke.

Hence, option B is correct.