State the symbol equations for the extraction of iron from hematite (a) $mathrm{C}+mathrm{O}_2 ightarrow mathrm{CO}_2$ (b) $mathrm{C}+mathrm{CO}_2 ightarrow 2 mathrm{CO}$ (c) $mathrm{Fe}_2 mathrm{O}_3+3 mathrm{CO} ightarrow 2 mathrm{Fe}+3 mathrm{C

Extraction of Iron from Hematite

In a blast furnace, iron ore (hematite, Fe2O3) is turned into molten iron by a series of chemical reactions. Below you’ll find the key symbol equations, a step‑by‑step walk‑through, and handy exam tips.

Step‑by‑Step Symbol Equations

StepEquation
(a)\$C + O2 \rightarrow CO2\$
(b)\$C + CO_2 \rightarrow 2CO\$
(c)\$Fe2O3 + 3CO \rightarrow 2Fe + 3CO_2\$
(d)\$CaCO3 \rightarrow CaO + CO2\$
(e)\$CaO + SiO2 \rightarrow CaSiO3\$

What Happens in the Furnace?

  1. Carbon reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (a). Think of it like a black soldier taking oxygen from the air.

  2. That CO₂ then reacts with more carbon to give carbon monoxide (b). CO is the real hero here because it can carry oxygen away from iron oxide.

  3. Carbon monoxide reduces hematite to iron metal (c). The iron oxide loses oxygen, leaving behind pure iron that sinks to the bottom of the furnace.

  4. Meanwhile, limestone (CaCO₃) decomposes to lime (CaO) and CO₂ (d). The lime helps clean up impurities.

  5. Finally, lime reacts with silica from the ore to form slag (CaSiO₃) (e). Slag floats on top of the molten iron and can be removed.

Exam Tip Box

  • Always balance atoms on both sides of the equation.

  • Remember that CO is the reducing agent that removes oxygen from Fe₂O₃.

  • In the final equation (c), the number of CO molecules must match the oxygen atoms removed from Fe₂O₃.

  • Check that the slag (CaSiO₃) is formed from CaO and SiO₂; this shows how impurities are removed.

  • Use the symbol equations to quickly write the full balanced reaction if asked.

Analogy: The Iron Factory

Imagine the blast furnace as a giant iron factory:

  • Carbon (C) is the delivery truck that brings CO₂ to the factory.

  • CO₂ is the oxygen cargo that needs to be offloaded.

  • CO is the special worker who removes oxygen from the iron ore.

  • Fe₂O₃ is the raw iron ore waiting to be turned into metal.

  • CaCO₃ is the cleaning agent that helps remove impurities.

  • CaSiO₃ (slag) is the garbage that floats to the top and can be discarded.

By following these steps, the factory turns heavy, oxygen‑rich ore into light, pure iron ready for construction or manufacturing. ⚙️🏭