Question

At temperatures above 1073 K coke can be used to reduce \[\ce{FeO}\] to \[\ce{Fe}\]. How can you justify this reduction with Ellingham diagram?

Answer 1

As per Ellinghan diagram at temperature greater than 1073 K, ∆G^° for the formation \[\ce{FeO}\] is less negative than ∆G^° for the formation of carbon monoxide from carbon. THus, above 1073 K, carbon can reduce \[\ce{FeO}\], i.e., ∆_rG^° for the reaction.

\[\ce{FeO + C ->[1073K] Fe + CO is negative}\].