In blast furnace, iron oxide is reduced by

Options

A. silica
B. carbon monoxide
C. carbon
D. lime stone.

Explanation

To solve the question "In blast furnace, iron oxide is reduced by," we need to identify the reducing agent used in the blast furnace process for reducing iron oxide (FeO) to iron (Fe). Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Reaction
In a blast furnace, iron oxide (FeO) is reduced to produce molten iron (Fe). The reduction process involves the removal of oxygen from the iron oxide.

**Hint:** Remember that reduction involves gaining electrons or losing oxygen.

### Step 2: Identify Possible Reducing Agents
The common reducing agents in a blast furnace include carbon (C) and carbon monoxide (CO). We need to determine which of these is primarily used.

**Hint:** Think about the state of carbon in the blast furnace and how it interacts with oxygen.

### Step 3: Analyze the Role of Carbon
While carbon can be used as a reducing agent, it tends to oxidize in the presence of oxygen to form carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, in practical scenarios, carbon is not present in its pure form for reduction.

**Hint:** Consider the conditions in the blast furnace and how carbon behaves when exposed to high temperatures and oxygen.

### Step 4: Focus on Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a more effective reducing agent in the blast furnace. It is produced from the combustion of carbon and can reduce iron oxide (FeO) to iron (Fe) without being oxidized itself in the process.

**Hint:** Recall that CO can be further oxidized to CO2, which is a gas that escapes from the furnace.

### Step 5: Write the Chemical Reaction
The reduction reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{FeO} + \text{CO} \rightarrow \text{Fe} + \text{CO}_2 \]
In this reaction, FeO is reduced to Fe, while CO is oxidized to CO2.

**Hint:** Pay attention to the oxidation states of the elements involved in the reaction.

### Step 6: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the reducing agent used in the blast furnace to reduce iron oxide (FeO) is carbon monoxide (CO).

**Final Answer:** In blast furnace, iron oxide is reduced by carbon monoxide (CO).