Question

How is silicon obtained?
(a)- Smelting the silica
(b)- Reducing silica with copper
(c)- Reducing silica with coke
(d)- None of the above

Answer 1

Silicon is the element of group 14 and it is obtained by reduction process. For the reduction process to occur we need another element, and silicon is obtained by a substance which is also from group 14.

Complete answer:
Silicon is the most prevalent element in the Earth's crust, second only to oxygen. It is found in rocks, sand, clays, and soils in combination with silicon dioxide (oxygen) or silicates (oxygen and other). The compounds of silicone are present in water, the environment, many plants and certain animals as well.
Silicon is the 14th component of the periodic chart and is the element of Group IVA together with carbon germanium, tin and plum. Pure silicone, with the same crystalline structure as diamond is a dark grey solid. The chemical and physical characteristics of this substance are comparable.
The melting point of silicon is 1410$^{\circ }C$ and the boiling point is 2355$^{\circ }C$, while the density of silicon is 2.33 $g/c{{m}^{3}}$.
The fundamental method heats silica and coke to high temperatures in a submerged arc furnace. A process in which oxygen is eliminated, leaving the silicone behind, is required with high temperatures. This is called a process of reduction. Metal carbides generally develop at low temperatures initially in this process. Since silicon is produced, the carbon is moved. Refining is used to increase purity.

So, the correct answer is “Option c”.

Note:
Silicon metal consists of silicon-dioxide reaction, $Si{{O}_{2}}$ reaction, and coke, carbon, and wood chip carbon components. Silica is usually obtained as a gravel grade in metallurgy.