Chapter 21, Problem 21.49SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Explain the purpose of limestone, CaCO₃, in the blast furnace during the production of iron from iron ore and write the balanced equations involved.

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 sulfide 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.
• A blast furnace is used in the production of commercial iron which extracts iron from iron ore.

To classify:The purpose of limestone in iron ore production and the balanced equations.