Question

Is it true that under certain conditions Mg can reduce SiO₂ and Si can reduce MgO?

Answer 1

1. Magnesium can reduce silicon dioxide (SiO₂) at temperatures below 1773 K.
2. Silicon can reduce magnesium oxide (MgO) at temperatures above 1773 K.
3. This occurs due to the relative thermodynamic stability and the reducing power of Mg and Si under specific temperature conditions.

Thus, under certain conditions, Mg reduces SiO₂ and Si reduces MgO.