Question

Which of the following statements is true?

(a) Al can reduce ZnO more readily than Mg

(b) Zn can reduce Cu2O more readily than Al

(c) Mg can reduce ZnO more readily than Al

(d) Zn can reduce Cu2O more readily than Mg

I had been asked this question in examination.

Query is from Thermodynamic Principles of Metallurgy topic in portion General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) Mg can reduce ZnO more readily than Al

Explanation: The relative tendency of these metals to act as reducing agents is Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu. Mg can reduce Al2O3, ZnO, FeO and Cu2O more readily than Al can reduce ZnO, FeO and Cu2O. Similarly, Al can reduce ZnO, FeO and Cu2O more readily than Zn reduces FeO and Cu2O.