Several reactions take place inside the furnace used to extract iron. Fig. 5.1 is a simple outline of the furnace with three regions labelled X, Y and Z. Ai...
Question 1 Report
Several reactions take place inside the furnace used to extract iron. Fig. 5.1 is a simple outline of the furnace with three regions labelled X, Y and Z. Air enters at point G near the base.
Fig. 5.1
(a) At region Z the coke burns in the hot air entering at G. Write the symbol equation for the burning of carbon in oxygen. [2]
(b) State whether the reaction in (a) is exothermic or endothermic, and give the importance of this reaction to the furnace. [2]
(c) Higher up, at region Y, the gas from part (a) reacts with more hot coke. Write the symbol equation for this reaction. [2]
(d) Name the gas that is the main reducing agent produced at region Y. [1]
(e) State the two products formed when this reducing agent reacts with iron(III) oxide in region X. [2]
Answer Details
This question follows the sequence of reactions down the iron blast furnace, region by region.
(a) At region Z the coke burns in the hot air:
C + O2 → CO2
Award [1] for correct formulae and [1] for balancing (1 C and 2 O on each side).
(b) This reaction is exothermic [1]; it is important because it releases heat that keeps the furnace hot enough for the other reactions to happen [1].
(c) Higher up at region Y, the carbon dioxide from part (a) reacts with more hot coke:
C + CO2 → 2CO
Award [1] for correct formulae and [1] for balancing (2 C and 2 O on each side).
(d) The main reducing agent produced at region Y is carbon monoxide [1].
(e) When carbon monoxide reacts with iron(III) oxide in region X, the two products are iron [1] and carbon dioxide [1] (Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2).
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