Question

Metallurgical coal used in the smelting of iron ore is

• A. Anthracite
• B. Bituminous
• C. Lignite
• D. Peat

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Bituminous

Explanation for correct option:

(B) Bituminous

• The metals can be extracted by converting the ore into metallic oxide and by reducing it into free metal.
• Smelting is the process used to extract many metals from their ore by heating ore to extract the base metals.
• The smelting of iron is the process of heating ore to extract the metal iron.
• It requires heat and a chemical reducing agent to decompose the ore.
• Smelting takes place in the blast furnace to produce the iron pig.
• Bituminous is a type of coal that is found in the sedimentary layer of soil.
• Bituminous coal is harder and blacker and it contains more carbon and less moisture and ash than low-rank coal.
• It is the Metallurgical coal used in the smelting of iron.
• Hence, option (B) Bituminous is correct.

Explanation for incorrect options:

(A) Anthracite

• Anthracite was used in blast furnaces for iron smelting.
• It lacked the pore space of metallurgical coke so it is replaced by Bituminous.
• Hence, option (A) Anthracite is incorrect.

(C) Lignite

• Lignite is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat content.
• Bituminous coal is harder and blacker and it contains more carbon and less moisture and ash than Lignite.
• Hence, option (C) Lignite is incorrect.

(D) Peat

• Peat is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat content.
• Bituminous coal is harder and blacker and it contains more carbon and less moisture and ash than Peat.
• Hence, option (D) Peat is incorrect.