Iron is extracted from its ores, such as hematite, in a blast furnace.
Name the raw material added to the blast furnace that is used to remove acidic impurities, such as silicon dioxide.
State the role of the thermal decomposition of this raw material within the blast furnace.
Explain how slag (calcium silicate), CaSiO3\text{CaSiO}_3CaSiO3, is formed from this raw material. Include two chemical equations in your explanation.
Write the balanced chemical equation for the reduction of hematite, Fe2O3\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3Fe2O3, by carbon monoxide to produce iron and carbon dioxide.
