The Ellingham diagram for zinc, magnesium and carbon converting into corresponding oxides is shown b — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Write down the net reaction for the reduction of ZnO by Carbon: ZnO(s) + C(s) -> Zn(s) + CO(g). Step 2: Calculate the standard Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°_reaction) for this net reaction: ΔG°_reaction = ΔG°_f(CO) - ΔG°_f(ZnO) = -460 kJ/mol - (-360 kJ/mol) = -100 kJ/mol. Step 3: Since the net Gibbs free energy change is negative (-100 kJ/mol), the reduction of ZnO by Carbon is thermodynamically spontaneous at 1000°C, meaning ZnO can be reduced to Zn by C (option b).