Consider the following statements: Coke is one of the materials added to a blast furnace for the production of iron. Its function is to:

1. Act as a reducing agent
2. Remove silica associated with iron ore
3. Function as fuel, to supply heat
4. Act as an oxidizing agent

Select the correct answer using the code below:

1. I and II are correct
2. II and IV are correct
3. I and III are correct
4. III and IV are correct

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• In a blast furnace, coke acts both as a fuel and as a reducing agent. Its carbon burns with blast air to produce heat and carbon monoxide, and this carbon monoxide reduces iron oxides to metallic iron; thus, statements I and III are correct. The removal of silica and other impurities is carried out by flux such as limestone or dolomite, which forms slag, not by coke. Coke also does not act as an oxidizing agent, making statement IV incorrect.

Answer: (c) I and III are correct