KCET2010ChemistryGeneral Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals
Carbon can reduce ferric oxide to iron at a temperature above 983 ~K because
Options
- Acarbon monoxide formed is thermodynamically less stable than ferric oxide
- Bcarbon has a higher affinity towards oxidation than iron
- Cfree energy change for the formation of carbon dioxide is less negative than that for ferric oxide
- Diron has a higher affinity towards oxygen than carbon
Correct answer
B. carbon has a higher affinity towards oxidation than iron
Step-by-step solution
Above 983 ~K , free energy change for the formation of CO ₂ is more negative than that for ferric oxide. Thus, above this temperature, carbon has a higher affinity towards oxidation than iron.