Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
First, CO is produced from oxygen: \(2C + O_2 \rightarrow 2CO\). Then, CO reduces \(Fe_2O_3\): \(Fe_2O_3 + 3CO \rightarrow 2Fe + 3CO_2\). We need to find the mass of \(O_2\) required for the CO that reacts with a given amount of \(Fe_2O_3\).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Molar mass of \(Fe_2O_3 = (2 \times 56) + (3 \times 16) = 112 + 48 = 160\) g/mol.
Moles of \(Fe_2O_3\) in 1.6 kg (1600 g) = \( \frac{1600}{160} = 10\) mol.
From the reduction equation: \(Fe_2O_3 + 3CO \rightarrow 2Fe + 3CO_2\)
1 mole of \(Fe_2O_3\) requires 3 moles of CO.
So, 10 moles of \(Fe_2O_3\) require \(10 \times 3 = 30\) moles of CO.
From the formation of CO: \(2C + O_2 \rightarrow 2CO\)
2 moles of CO are produced from 1 mole of \(O_2\).
Thus, 30 moles of CO require \( \frac{30}{2} = 15 \) moles of \(O_2\).
Mass of \(O_2\) required = \(15 \times 32 = 480\) g.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the required mass of oxygen is 480 g, which corresponds to option (B).