Question

In casting of metals, silicon is used as
(A) oxidizer
(B) semiconductor
(C) deoxidizer
(D) None of these

Answer 1

In order to find what is the role of silicon in the Casting of metal, we must be first aware of what a casting process is. Casting is a process in which the molten metal is poured into the mold and is kept for cooling and later on we will be obtaining the desired shape.

Complete Solution :
- Let us first understand about Silicon. Silicon is a chemical element with an atomic number of 14, which is represented by the symbol Si. Silicon will have certain physical properties such as hardness, brittle, crystalline Silicon is a metalloid as it is having the properties of both the metal and non-metals. Silicon is grey in colour and will be having a very high melting and the boiling point. Silicon is highly unreactive due to the chemical affinity towards the oxygen molecule.
- Now let us move onto the casting process. Casting is a process in which the molten metal is poured into the mold containing a three-dimensional negative impression of the required shape. The molten metal after pouring into the mold is cooled and then we will obtain the required shape. In the casting process, Silicon is used as a deoxidizer. The source of silicon which is used here is the ferrosilicon.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: There will be different types of the casting process that will be taking place such as
- Shell molding
- Sand casting.
- Loam molding
- Die casting
- Continuous casting
- Centrifugal casting.
- Semi-solid casting.