Iron ore is converted into iron through a process that involves heating the ore with charcoal in a furnace. Here's a breakdown:
The Process: Smelting with Charcoal
The key to turning iron ore into iron is a chemical process called reduction, facilitated by heating the ore with charcoal.
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Heating: Iron ore and charcoal are heated together inside a furnace.
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Reduction: The carbon from the charcoal, specifically from the incomplete combustion of charcoal, removes the oxygen from the iron oxides in the ore. This process reduces the iron oxides into metallic iron.
- The reference states: "Inside of the furnace, carbon from incomplete combustion of charcoal reduces the iron oxides into metallic iron." (10-Sept-2024)
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Control is Crucial: The temperature and ratio of charcoal to iron ore must be carefully controlled. This prevents the iron from absorbing too much carbon, which would result in a different type of metal (steel or cast iron).
- The reference states: "The temperature and ratio of charcoal must be carefully controlled to keep the iron from absorbing too much carbon." (10-Sept-2024)
Simplified Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Loading | Iron ore and charcoal are loaded into a furnace. |
| 2. Heating | The mixture is heated to a high temperature. |
| 3. Reduction | Carbon from the charcoal reacts with the iron oxides, producing metallic iron. |
| 4. Control | Temperature and charcoal ratio are carefully managed to avoid excessive carbon absorption. |
