Question

Define flux.

Answer 1

A flux is a substance which is used in metallurgy to separate gangue particles from the ore particles. It combines with gangue to form a substance called slag, which is removed more easily from the ore than the gangue particles. This way the removal of gangue particles becomes easier. It also added sometimes to make the molten mass more conducting.

Eg : Coke, limestone, cryolite etc.

Limestone is added as a flux during the extraction of sulphur, silicon and phosphorus.