The process of extracting the metal by heating the metal oxide with a suitable reducing agent is called

Options

A. Pyrometallurgy
B. electrolysis
C. Both of these
D. None of these

Answer

To solve the question regarding the process of extracting metal by heating the metal oxide with a suitable reducing agent, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Process
The question describes a method of extracting metals from their oxides. This involves a chemical reaction where a metal oxide reacts with a reducing agent.

**Hint:** Think about what happens when a metal oxide is heated with a reducing agent.

### Step 2: Identify the Reducing Agent
Common reducing agents include carbon (in the form of coke) and carbon monoxide. These agents help to reduce the metal oxide to its elemental form.

**Hint:** Recall what reducing agents do in a chemical reaction.

### Step 3: Define the Heating Process
The process requires heating to provide the necessary energy for the reaction to occur. This is crucial for the reduction of the metal oxide.

**Hint:** Consider why heat is important in chemical reactions, especially in metallurgy.

### Step 4: Name the Process
The specific process of extracting metals from their oxides by heating with a reducing agent is known as "pyrometallurgy."

**Hint:** Remember that "pyro" refers to heat, which is a key component of this extraction method.

### Conclusion
The correct answer to the question is that the process of extracting the metal by heating the metal oxide with a suitable reducing agent is called **pyrometallurgy**.