Question

Why carbon cannot reduce the oxides of Na and Mg?

Answer 1

Na and Mg has less affinity towards carbon because these metals are highly reactive. So carbon cannot reduce the oxides of Sodium and Magnesium.

Answer 2

Explanation:

According to the reactivity series, both sodium and magnesium are more reactive than carbon as sodium and magnesium are placed above carbon in the reactivity series.

As a result, being less reactive in nature carbon is unable to reduce the oxides of sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg).

Thus, we can conclude that less reactivity of carbon makes it unable to reduce oxides of sodium and magnesium.