Extraction of metals (intro): ores, corrosion prevention
Metals and Non-metals (School Level) · Chemistry
Study notes
How is iron extracted from haematite (Fe₂O₃) in a blast furnace? Step 1: Haematite (ore) is mixed with coke (C) and limestone (CaCO₃). Step 2: Hot air burns coke: C + O₂ → CO₂, then CO₂ + C → 2CO. Step 3: CO reduces the ore: Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂. Step 4: Limestone removes impurities: CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂; CaO + SiO₂ → CaSiO₃ (slag). Step 5: Molten iron sinks and is tapped out; slag floats above. Result: pig iron, later refined to steel.