Which of the following is used as a reducing agent in the extraction of iron metal ?

Options

A. coal
B. bitumen
C. charcoal
D. coke

Answer

To determine which substance is used as a reducing agent in the extraction of iron metal, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Role of a Reducing Agent**:
- A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, causing the reduction of that substance. In the context of metal extraction, it helps to convert metal oxides into pure metals by removing oxygen.

2. **Identify the Extraction Process of Iron**:
- Iron is primarily extracted from its ore, iron oxide (Fe2O3 or Fe3O4), through a process called smelting in a blast furnace.

3. **Recognize Common Reducing Agents**:
- Common reducing agents in metallurgy include carbon (in the form of coke), hydrogen, and other metals.

4. **Focus on Coke**:
- Coke is a carbon-rich material derived from coal. It is porous, tough, and has a high carbon content, making it an effective reducing agent.

5. **Conclusion**:
- In the extraction of iron, coke is used as the reducing agent to convert iron oxide into iron metal. Therefore, the correct answer is coke.

### Final Answer:
Coke is used as a reducing agent in the extraction of iron metal.

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