Question

Metallurgical coal used in the smelting of iron is
A. Anthracite
B. Bituminous
C. Lignite
D. Peat

Answer 1

Hint: First, we should know about the process of smelting of iron. Smelting is the process of applying heat to ore so that we can extract the base metals. This process is used to extract many metals from their ore.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Let us completely understand the explanation of this question.
First, we should know that metallurgical coal is also known as coking coal. It is a grade of coal which is used to produce the good quality of coke. Coke is an essential fuel and reactant in the blast furnace process and for making steel.
Now the smelting of iron is the process of applying heat in order to extract the metal iron. It is the form of extractive metallurgy. This uses heat and a chemical reducing agent to decompose the ore. Smelting takes place in the blast furnace in order to produce the iron pig.
There are four options given i.e. Anthracite, bituminous, lignite and peat. They all are different types of coal and are often called as black gold. They are found in the sedimentary layer of soil.
Metallurgical coal used in the smelting of iron is bituminous. Metallurgical coal is usually ranked in bituminous.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Note:
Metallurgical coal is low in ash, moisture, sulfur and phosphorus content. Remember, it is also known as coking coal as it is used to produce the good quality coke. Metallurgical coal rank is usually bituminous.