In the extraction of iron in the blast furnace, the role of limestone is to ____________
A. decompose the iron ore B. remove the silicate impurities C. convert red hot coke to carbon (IV) oxide D. reduce iron ore to iron
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
The role of limestone in the extraction of iron is the removal of the earthly impurities. Limestone is first heated so that it decomposes to give calcium oxide \(CaCO _{3(s)} \rightarrow CaO _{(s)}+ CO _{2(s)}\) \(CaO\) then combines with \(SiO _{2}\) to give \(CaSiO _{3}\) (slag)