The primary purpose of adding iron oxide to clay during brick manufacturing is to
- AImprove strength
- BEnhance durability
- CProvide red colour to the bricksCorrect
- DReduce efflorescence
Solution
Concept
Role of iron oxide
Step-by-step solution
1. Iron oxide gives brick its red colour on burning.
Explanation
Iron oxide in the clay forms ferric compounds that give the red colour.
Why the other options are wrong
It does not mainly improve strength, durability or efflorescence.
Shortcut
Iron oxide = red colour.
Correct answer: C) Provide red colour to the bricks