Chapter 21, Problem 21.46SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Hematite, Fe₂O₃, is an iron ore which is reduced to pure iron in a blast furnace through the reaction with carbon monoxide gas. Provide the balanced equation and use the oxidation states of the atoms in the reactants and products to decide which species are the oxidizing/reducing agents.

Concept introduction:

• Extracting a metal from ore requires three main steps: (1) concentration of the ore, and if necessary, chemical treatment prior to reduction; (2) reduction of the mineral to the free metal; (3) refining or purification of the metal.
• Roasting is the process of heating the sulphide minerals in air (O₂) to form metal-oxides
• Metal-oxides will undergo reduction with carbon, hydrogen, or a more active metal.
• The most active metals must be reduced by the process of electrolysis.

To classify: The balanced equation for the reduction of iron ore.