Coke is one of the materials of the charge added to blast furnace for the production of steel/iron. Its function is to
act as the reducing agent.
remove silica associated with the iron ore.
function as fuel; to supply heat.
act as an oxidizing agent. of these statements
EXPLANATION
Correct Option
In the blast furnace for the production of iron, coke serves two primary functions:
As a reducing agent: Coke (carbon) reacts with iron oxides (e.g., Fe₂O₃) to reduce them to metallic iron. For instance, Fe₂O₃ + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO. It also produces carbon monoxide (CO), which further acts as a reducing agent.
As a fuel: Coke burns in the presence of hot air (oxygen) to generate the high temperatures necessary for the smelting process. The combustion of carbon is an exothermic reaction, C + O₂ → CO₂, which provides the required heat.
Incorrect Options
Statement 2 (remove silica associated with the iron ore): The removal of silica (SiO₂) and other acidic impurities is the function of a flux, typically limestone (CaCO₃). Limestone decomposes to calcium oxide (CaO), which reacts with silica to form molten slag (CaSiO₃), thus separating impurities from the iron. Coke does not perform this role.
Statement 4 (act as an oxidizing agent): Coke acts as a reducing agent, meaning it donates electrons to reduce iron oxides. An oxidizing agent accepts electrons. Therefore, coke does not function as an oxidizing agent in the blast furnace.
SOURCENCERT Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 6: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements