Question

Coke is used in the manufacture of which of the following?

• A. Iron
• B. Lead
• C. Steel
• D. Copper

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Steel

The correct option is C.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Coke almost exclusively contains carbon.
2. In the production of steel, coke has two distinct roles.
3. In addition to giving out the heat required to melt the iron ore, coal also has the effect of "stealing" the oxygen from the ore when it is burned, leaving only the pure iron behind.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Iron is obtained from its ore.
2. Firstly water is removed from the ore by roasting it (heating it in the air), converting carbonates into oxides, and converting sulfides into oxides.
3. The oxides are subsequently reduced in a 25-foot-diameter, 80-100-foot-high blast furnace.

Option B:

1. Different ores that are obtained from underground mines are used to extract lead.
2. Many ores exist that include a little amount of lead.
3. To make the lead, however, only three ores are typically mined.
4. Galena is the most prevalent ore and often only contains lead and sulfur.

Option D:

1. Copper in chalcopyrite is converted to copper sulfide.
2. To make the slag, calcium carbonate is added as a flux, just like in blast furnaces.
3. Chalcopyrite iron removal as iron silicate slag.

Final answer:

Therefore, coke is used in the manufacture of steel.