5.4 describe and explain the main reactions involved in the extraction of iron from iron ore (hematite), using coke, limestone and air in a blast furnace

 5.4 • 1. oxygen in the air reacts with coke, forming carbon dioxide 

                •C(s) + O2(g) ------> CO2(g)

         2. carbon dioxide reacts with coke, forming carbon monoxide 

                •CO2(g) + C(s) ------> 2CO(g)

         3. carbon monoxide reduces the iron (III) oxide in the iron ore 

                •Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) ------> 2Fe(l) + 3CO2(g)

                          •the iron is collected at the bottom, where it is tapped off

         4. the calcium carbonate in the limestone decomposes to calcium oxide 

                 •CaCO3(s) ------> CaO(s) + CO2(g) 

         5. calcium oxide reacts with silicon dioxide (an impurity), forming calcium silicate

                 •CaO(s) + SiO2(s) ------> CaSiO3(l)

                            •molten slag is tapped off and is used for road-building