Question

What is the major reducing agent in the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace? Write a balanced chemical equation for the reduction process.

Short answer

The major reducing agent in the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace is carbon monoxide (CO), and the balanced chemical equation for the reduction process is: $F{e}_2{O}_3(s)+3CO(g)\to 2Fe(s)+3C{O}_2(g)$

Step-by-step solution

Identify the major reducing agent

The major reducing agent in the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace is carbon monoxide (CO). It is produced within the blast furnace by the combustion of coke (a form of carbon) with oxygen.

Understand the reduction process

The reduction of iron ore primarily involves the conversion of iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) to metallic iron (Fe). This is achieved by the reaction between iron (III) oxide and carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide acts as a reducing agent, taking the oxygen from the iron oxide to form carbon dioxide (CO2) and releasing metallic iron.

Write the unbalanced chemical equation

Before balancing the equation, we can write it in the unbalanced form as: Fe2O3(s) + CO(g) -> Fe(s) + CO2(g)

Balance the chemical equation

To balance the equation, we need to make sure the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. We have two iron atoms and two oxygen atoms on the left side, so we need two iron atoms and two oxygen atoms on the right side as well. We also need to balance the carbon atoms in the equation: Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) -> 2Fe(s) + 3CO2(g) Now, the balanced chemical equation is: $F{e}_2{O}_3(s)+3CO(g)\to 2Fe(s)+3C{O}_2(g)$ So, the major reducing agent in the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace is carbon monoxide, and the balanced chemical equation for the reduction process is: $F{e}_2{O}_3(s)+3CO(g)\to 2Fe(s)+3C{O}_2(g)$