The GATE Grind

GATE 2021 MT – Question 22

Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy · Primary and secondary steelmaking · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which element oxidizes first in basic oxygen steelmaking?

  1. Silicon
  2. Carbon
  3. Manganese
  4. Phosphorus

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Silicon

Explanation

At the early BOF stage silicon has strong oxygen affinity and is rapidly oxidized into silica before the major decarburization period. The conventional sequence therefore starts with **silicon, A**.