Write chemical reactions taking place during extraction of iron in zone of reduction of the blast furnace.(b) Write observed electronic configuration of gadolinium. (Z=64)

Q.25

(a) Write chemical reactions taking place during extraction of iron in zone of reduction of the blast furnace.

(b) Write observed electronic configuration of gadolinium. (Z=64)

Doubtly Asked 28 Oct 2026 Board exam · June 2026 hsc 12th Save WhatsApp Report

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(a) In the zone of reduction (upper part of the furnace, about 500–900 K), iron oxides are reduced stepwise by carbon monoxide:

3Fe₂O₃ + CO → 2Fe₃O₄ + CO₂

Fe₃O₄ + CO → 3FeO + CO₂

FeO + CO → Fe + CO₂

(Overall: Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂; some FeO is also reduced by carbon, FeO + C → Fe + CO, lower down.)

(b) Gd (Z = 64): [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s² (the half-filled 4f⁷ is extra stable, so one electron goes to 5d instead of giving 4f⁸).

Doubtly AI · 28 Oct 2026 AI-verified · Oct 2026 Report

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