Question

What chemical principle is involved in choosing a reducing agent for getting the metal from its oxide ore??

Consider the metal oxides,Al2O3 and Fe2O3, justify the choise of the reducing agent..

Answer 1

Hey Friend,

The reducing agent for reducing metal oxides to metals depends on the affinity of the metals with oxygen and their stability.

1. Reduction by electrolysis - Metals like K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al... oxides of these metals are reduced by electrolysis because these oxides are highly stable and have strong affinity towards oxygen.

2. Reduction by reducing agents - Metals like Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu... oxides of these metals because these oxides are less stable and have less affinity towards oxygen, thus can be easily reduced!

Hope it helps!