Question

Write short note on the following:

Smelting

Answer 1

1. Smelting is the process of extracting a metal from its oxidized ore by heating and melting.
2. It is usually carried out in a blast furnace.
3. The calcined or roasted ore is heated with coke or charcoal (carbon source).
4. Flux is added to combine with impurities (gangue) forming slag which is easily separated.
5. Basic flux like CaO is used for acidic impurities; acidic flux like SiO₂ is used for basic impurities.
6. The molten metal separates from lighter slag, which floats on the surface and is removed.
7. Smelting is important for metals like iron, copper, and lead extraction.