The Question is from neet-chemistry general-principles-and-processes-of-isolation-of-e , and it was created by the author THIRUPATHI REDDY

Question

What is the primary purpose of adding flux during smelting?

THIRUPATHI REDDY · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Smelting and Flux
 **Related Topics**: Metallurgy, Ore processing, Gangue removal
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of chemical reactions in metallurgy.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the primary purpose of adding flux during smelting.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understanding Smelting:
  Reasoning: Smelting is a process of extracting metal from its ore by heating it to a high temperature, often in the presence of a reducing agent.
 2. Role of Flux:
  Working: Flux is a substance added to the smelting process to remove impurities called gangue from the ore. Gangue is unwanted material such as silica ($SiO_2$) or other compounds that are mixed with the desired metal ore.
  Key Point: The flux reacts with the gangue to form a molten slag, which is less dense than the molten metal and can be easily separated.
 3. Primary Purpose:
  Result: The primary purpose of adding flux is to remove gangue, making the extraction of the pure metal more efficient.
  Verification:  The slag formed by the reaction of flux and gangue floats on top of the molten metal, allowing for easy separation.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: To reduce the metal oxide: While a reducing agent is used in smelting to reduce the metal oxide, the flux's primary role is not directly the reduction.
B :x: To increase the melting point of the ore: Flux actually helps *lower* the melting point of the gangue, making it easier to separate.
C ✓: To remove gangue: This is the correct answer. Flux's main purpose is to react with gangue and form a slag.
D :x: To purify the metal: Purification is a broader term. While flux helps in purification by removing gangue, it's not the primary function.  Further purification steps are often needed after smelting.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing flux with reducing agents: Flux and reducing agents have different roles in smelting.
  2.Thinking flux purifies the metal directly: Flux removes impurities (gangue), but further steps are needed for complete purification.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the slag formation: Flux + Gangue → Slag
  2.Flux helps in easier separation of metal and gangue.

THIRUPATHI REDDY · Answer

To reduce the metal oxide

THIRUPATHI REDDY · Answer

To increase the melting point of the ore

THIRUPATHI REDDY · Answer

The correct Option is "To remove gangue"

THIRUPATHI REDDY · Answer

To purify the metal

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