Question

In the metallurgical extraction of copper, following reaction is used:

\[\ce{FeO + SiO -> FeSiO3}\]

FeO and SiO₃ respectively are ______.

Options

• Gangue and flux

• Flux and slag

• Slag and flux

• Gangue and slag

Answer 1

FeO and SiO₃ respectively are gangue and slag.

Explanation:

In the extraction of copper, FeO is an impurity (gangue) formed during roasting of copper pyrites. SiO₂ (silica) is added as a flux, which combines with FeO to form ferrous silicate (FeSiO₃), the slag. Thus, the flux helps to remove the gangue as a fusible slag.

\[\ce{FeO + SiO2 -> FeSiO3}\]