Chemistry 5070 · O Level · Extraction of metals

Extraction of metals — practice question

Iron is obtained in the blast furnace by reducing iron(III) oxide, $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3$. The overall process can be divided into three stages.
(a(i))[1]

In step 1, carbon burns in air to form carbon dioxide. Give one other reason why carbon is burned in air in the blast furnace.

(a(ii))[1]

In step 2, carbon monoxide is formed when carbon dioxide reacts with carbon. State one harmful effect of carbon monoxide on health.

(a(iii))[1]

In step 3, iron(III) oxide is reduced by carbon monoxide. Write the symbol equation for this reaction.

(b)[2]

Explain why calcium carbonate is added to the blast furnace. Include any suitable reactions or equations in your answer.

(c)[2]

State two different properties that are characteristic of transition elements but not of Group I metals.

(d)[3]

Explain two distinct ways in which zinc stops rusting when iron is galvanised.

(e)[2]

The equation describes iron reacting with steam in a closed container: $3\text{Fe}(s)+4\text{H}_2\text{O}(g)\rightleftharpoons \text{Fe}_3\text{O}_4(s)+4\text{H}_2(g)$. Predict and explain what happens to the equilibrium position when the pressure is increased. The temperature stays constant.

(f)[2]

$\text{Fe}_3\text{O}_4$ reacts with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The products are iron(II) chloride, iron(III) chloride and a liquid that turns blue cobalt(II) chloride paper pink. Construct the symbol equation for this reaction.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: To generate heat / to heat the furnace

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