Consider the following statements : Coke is one of the materials of the charge added to blast furnaces for the production of steel/iron. Its function is to:1. act as the reducing agent.2. remove silica associated with the iron ore.3. function as fuel; to supply heat.4. act as an oxidizing agent. Of these statements:
✓ Correct answer: c) 1 and 3 are correct
ExplanationCoke is a solid, porous, carbon-rich substance produced by heating coal in the absence of air in a process called coking.It is primarily composed of carbon and is used in various industrial processes.Statement 1 is correct: Coke reduces iron ore (mostly iron oxide, Fe₂O₃) to iron by giving up electrons.This makes it the reducing agent in the reduction process.Statement 2 is incorrect: Limestone is used to remove impurities from the blast furnace when making iron.The impurities are mostly silicon dioxide (also known as sand).The calcium carbonate in the limestone reacts with the silicon dioxide to form calcium silicate (also known as slag).Statement 3 is correct: Coke also serves as a fuel in the blast furnace, providing the necessary heat to melt the iron ore and to drive the chemical reactions.Statement 4 is incorrect: Coke acts as a reducing agent, not an oxidizing agent.339
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