) A further reaction in the blast furnace involves calcium oxide, CaO.Describe this reaction and explain its importance
Question
A further reaction in the blast furnace involves calcium oxide, CaO. Describe this reaction and explain its importance.
Solution
In the blast furnace, calcium oxide (CaO) reacts with silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is an impurity in the iron ore. This reaction forms calcium silicate (CaSiO3), also known as slag. The reaction can be represented as follows:
CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3
This reaction is crucial for two main reasons:
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Removal of Impurities: The primary purpose of this reaction is to remove impurities from the iron. Silicon dioxide is a major impurity in iron ore, and its removal is necessary to obtain pure iron. The calcium silicate formed is less dense than the iron and floats on top of the iron, where it can be easily removed.
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Protection of Furnace: The layer of slag also protects the furnace lining from damage due to the high temperatures inside the furnace.
So, the reaction of calcium oxide in the blast furnace is essential for both the purification of iron and the preservation of the furnace itself.
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