Question

Names of some minerals are given below.
i. Haematite
ii. Bauxite
iii. Dolomite
(a) Identify the mineral of iron (Fe).
(b) Name the reducing agent mainly used in the extraction of iron from its ore.
(c) What is the role of powdered lime stone in the extraction process of iron?

Answer 1

(a) Haematite
(b) The reducing agent mainly used in the extraction of iron from its ore is CO.
$F{e}_2{O}_3+3CO\to 2Fe+3C{O}_2$
(c) Lime stone (calcium carbonate) decomposes under the high temperature within the furnace.
$CaC{O}_3\to CaO+C{O}_2$
The impurity $Si{O}_2$ in the ore reacts with $CaO$ and forms calcium silicate (slag).
$CaO+Si{O}_2\to CaSi{O}_3$
The acidic character of $Si{O}_2$ is the reason for using the basic flux $CaO$.