A flux is often added to remove impurities from an ore in a blast furnace. In the reaction CaO + -> — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Identifying Slag and Flux in the Blast Furnace Reaction **Step 1: Understand the roles in a blast furnace** - **Flux**: A substance *deliberately added* to combine with impurities and remove them - **Slag**: The *product formed* when flux reacts with impurities; it's molten and easily separable **Step 2: Identify components in the reaction** $$\text{CaO} + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \text{CaSiO}_3$$ - **CaO** (calcium oxide): This is *added* to the furnace deliberately → **Flux** - **SiO₂** (silicon dioxide): The main impurity in iron ore (acidic oxide) → Impurity - **CaSiO₃** (calcium silicate): The product formed from their reaction → **Slag** **Step 3: Verify the logic** CaO is the basic flux that reacts with the acidic impurity SiO₂, forming a fusible slag (CaSiO₃) that can be easily drained away, leaving molten iron behind. **Answer: Flux = CaO; Slag = CaSiO₃** (Option B)