Question

The reducing agent which is used to reduce iron oxide in blast furnace is:

• A. CO
• B. Coke
• C. Silica
• D. Lime

Hint:

CO is an excellent reducing agent in industrial processes like the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the blast furnace, carbon monoxide (CO) is the main reducing agent used to reduce iron(III) oxide (\(Fe_2O_3\)) to iron. The reaction is: \[ \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 (s) + 3\text{CO} (g) \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} (l) + 3\text{CO}_2 (g) \] Coke (which is mostly carbon) also plays a role in producing CO in the blast furnace, but the reducing agent itself is CO. Thus, the correct answer is CO.