Question:
Out of C and CO, which is a better reducing agent for ZnO ?
Answer:
C is the better reducing agent for ZnO compared to CO. Let us understand why it is so.
Reduction of ZnO to Zn is carried out at a temperature of 1673 K. However, it has been observed that above 1273 K, the Gibbs free energy of formation of CO2 from C is lesser than the Gibbs free energy of formation of ZnO. Therefore, C can easily reduce ZnO to Zn under these conditions.
Also, the Gibbs free energy of formation of CO2 from CO is always more than the Gibbs free energy of formation of ZnO. Therefore, CO cannot be used reduce ZnO.
Thus, C is a better reducing agent for reducing ZnO when compared to CO.
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