Which metal is used as a reducing agent in smelting

Options

A. C
B. Al
C. Zn
D. None of these

Answer

To answer the question "Which metal is used as a reducing agent in smelting?", we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the concept of smelting
Smelting is a metallurgical process that involves heating ores to extract metals. This process typically occurs at high temperatures and is often done in the presence of a reducing agent to help separate the metal from its ore.

**Hint:** Remember that smelting involves heating and is crucial for extracting metals from their ores.

### Step 2: Identify the role of reducing agents in smelting
In smelting, a reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, reducing its oxidation state. This is essential for the extraction of metals from their ores, as it helps to convert metal oxides into pure metals.

**Hint:** Think about what substances are commonly used to reduce metal oxides during the extraction process.

### Step 3: Determine common reducing agents
The most common reducing agent used in smelting is coke, which is primarily composed of carbon. When coke is burned in the presence of oxygen, it produces carbon monoxide (CO), which can further reduce metal oxides to their metallic form.

**Hint:** Consider the chemical reactions that occur during smelting and how carbon plays a role in these reactions.

### Step 4: Evaluate the options provided
In the context of the question, we need to consider the options given. The video transcript mentions that coke (CO) is used as a reducing agent in smelting, rather than metals like aluminum or zinc.

**Hint:** Review the common practices in metallurgy to see which substances are typically used as reducing agents.

### Step 5: Conclude the answer
Based on the information gathered, the metal that is commonly used as a reducing agent in smelting is not a metal itself, but rather coke (carbon). Therefore, the answer to the question is that coke (CO) is the reducing agent used in smelting processes.

**Final Answer:** Coke (CO) is used as a reducing agent in smelting.