Question
Explain the following:
Coke and flux are used in the smelting.
Solution
The phenomenon in which ore is mixed with suitable flux and coke and is heated to fusion is known as smelting. Oxide of matter obtained from nature or by calcination or roasting is reduced by a coke through smelting.
MO +C --> M + CO
During smelting the impurities are also removed. This is done by the addition of a suitable external substance known as flux. Flux reacts with impurities and forms slag which floats over the molten metal and removed.
