Question

In the metallurgical extraction of copper, following reaction is used :
FeO + SiO₂ → FeSiO₃ 
FeO and FeSiO₃ respectively are.

• A. Gangue and flux
• B. Flux and slag
• C. Slag and flux
• D. Gangue and slag

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The given reaction in the metallurgical extraction of copper is:

\text{FeO} + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \text{FeSiO}_3

Let's understand the terms involved in this process:

1. Gangue: In metallurgy, gangue refers to the impurities or unwanted materials present in the ore that need to be removed during the extraction process.
2. Flux: Flux is a substance added during the smelting process to react with the gangue to form a molten compound called slag.
3. Slag: Slag is the by-product formed when the flux reacts with the gangue during the smelting of ores. It typically floats on the surface of the molten metal and can be removed easily.

In the given reaction:

• FeO is the gangue which is an impurity present in the ore.
• SiO₂ acts as the flux, as it reacts with the gangue (FeO) to produce slag.
• FeSiO₃ is the slag formed from the reaction of the gangue and the flux.

Therefore, in the context of the question, FeO and FeSiO₃ are correctly identified as "Gangue and slag" respectively.

Hence, the correct answer is: Gangue and slag.