Chapter 19, Problem 92A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The role of oxidation and reduction in manufacture of steel is to be searched.

Concept introduction:

Steel is an alloy of iron. Some carbon is mixed in it to improve the properties of steel. The production of steel involve redox reaction.

Answer to Problem 92A

Iron is present as iron oxide in its minerals due to its reactive nature. So to make steel firstly iron oxide is converted into iron using a reducing agent as shown below:

$F{e}_2{O}_3+3CO\to 2Fe+3C{O}_2$

Here iron oxide is reduced to iron using carbon monoxide.

After this process, iron is coverted into steel.

Explanation of Solution

The reaction involved is:

$F{e}_2{O}_3+3CO\to 2Fe+3C{O}_2$

Oxidation number of elements is:

${\stackrel{+3}{Fe}}_2{O}_3+3\stackrel{+2}{C}O\to 2\stackrel{0}{Fe}+3\stackrel{+4}{C}{O}_2$

The above reaction is redox reaction.

Thus oxidation and reduction play important role in formation of steel.

Conclusion

Iron is present as iron oxide in its minerals due to its reactive nature. So to make steel firstly iron oxide is converted into iron using a reducing agent