Question

What happens during the process of smelting of iron?

• A. The weight of the iron produced is lower than the weight of the iron ore used.
• B. The weight of the iron produced is greater than the weight of the iron ore used.
• C. The weight of the iron produced is equal to the weight of the iron ore used.
• D. The weight of iron produced cannot be determined

Answer 1

The correct option is A

The weight of the iron produced is lower than the weight of the iron ore used.

In the smelting of iron, the iron oxide($F{e}_2{O}_3$) present in the iron ore loses its oxygen. This results in the iron that is obtained from the process to be less in weight compared to the weight of iron ore used before the process. Therefore losing oxygen was defined as the process of reduction as iron ore lost its weight in the smelting process.