Saved Bookmarks
| 1. |
The choice of a reducing agent in a particular case depends on thermodynamic factor. How far do you agree with this statement? Support your opinion with two examples. |
|
Answer» Solution :Thermodynamic factor helps us in choosing a suitable reducing agent for the reduction of a particular metal oxide to the metallic state as discussed below. Refer to the Ellingham diagram Fig. 6.1. From the diagram, it is evident that metals for which tha standard free ENERGY of formation`(triangle_(f)G^(0))` of their oxides is more negative can reduce those metal oxides for which the standard free energy of formation of `(triangle_(f)G^(0))` of their oxides is less negative. In other words, any metal will reduce the oxides of other metals which lie above it in the Ellingham diagram. This is so because the standard free energy change `(triangle_(f)G^(0))` of the combined redox REACTION will be -ve. Thus, both AL and Zn can reduce FeO to Fe but Fe cannot reduce `Al_(2)O_(3)` to Al or ZnO to Zn. SIMILARLY, C can reduce ZnO to Zn but CO cannot. |
|