Video Transcript
Which of the following is the
correct symbolic equation for the oxidation of phosphorus impurities in iron
ores? (A) Four P solid plus five O2 gas
react while heating to form two P2O5 gas. (B) P solid plus O2 gas react while
heating to form PO2 gas. (C) Two P solid plus five O2 gas
react while heating to form P2O2 liquid. (D) Two P solid plus 2O2 gas react
while heating to form P2O4 gas. (E) Three P solid plus O2 gas react
while heating to form two P3O2 liquid.
Pure iron metal is extracted from
unrefined iron containing ores, such as hematite. The unrefined ore often contains a
variety of impurities, such as iron(II) carbonate, water, sulfur, and
phosphorus. To remove the impurities, the iron
ore is crushed and then roasted at a high temperature in an aerated room or
oven. Under these conditions, the
phosphorus impurities in the iron ore can react with oxygen in the air to form
diphosphorus pentoxide. Shown here is the complete balanced
equation for this reaction.
So the correct symbolic equation
for the oxidation of phosphorus impurities in iron ore is answer choice (A): four P
solid plus five O2 gas react while heating to form two P2O5 gas.
