Step 1: Identify the impurity in haematite.
The main impurity in the extraction of iron from haematite (Fe$_2$O$_3$) is silica (SiO$_2$).
Step 2: Role of limestone (CaCO$_3$).
When heated, CaCO$_3$ decomposes to give CaO, which acts as a basic flux: \[ \text{CaCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CaO} + \text{CO}_2 \] Step 3: Formation of slag.
The CaO reacts with SiO$_2$ (acidic impurity) to form calcium silicate (CaSiO$_3$), which is the slag: \[ \text{CaO} + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \text{CaSiO}_3 \] Thus, impurity \(x\) is SiO$_2$ and it is removed as \(y = \text{CaSiO}_3\).
The reactions which occur in blast furnace at 500 – 800 K during extraction of iron from haematite are
i. \(3Fe_2O_3 + CO \rightarrow 2Fe_3O_4 + CO_2\)
ii. \(Fe_2O_3 + 3C \rightarrow 2Fe + 3CO\)
iii. \(FeO + 4CO \rightarrow 3Fe + 4CO_2\)
iv. \(FeO + CO \rightarrow 2FeO + CO_2\)
Match the following
| List I (Method) | List II (Metal refined) |
|---|---|
| A) Zone refining | I) Sn |
| B) Liquation | II) In |
| C) Vapour phase refining | III) Zn |
| D) Distillation | IV) Zr |
| V) Al |