Why is iron smelting a physical process?
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Iron smelting is a physical process because it involves the conversion of solid iron ore into molten iron by applying heat. During the smelting process, the iron ore is heated in a furnace to a high temperature, typically between 1,200 to 1,500 degrees Celsius, or 2,200 to 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. This thermal energy causes various physical changes in the iron ore, including the reduction of iron oxide (FeO) to elemental iron (Fe).
The physical transformation that occurs during iron smelting is known as a phase change. In this case, the solid iron ore undergoes a phase change to become a liquid molten iron. Since there is no alteration of the chemical composition or the atomic structure of the iron atoms, the process is considered to be purely physical.
To learn more about the specifics of iron smelting and the various stages involved, it is recommended to search for information on reputable websites or consult scholarly articles related to metallurgy and iron production. A quick search on a reliable search engine, such as Google, using keywords like "iron smelting" will provide you with a variety of sources to explore.