Department of Pre-University Education, KarnatakaPUC Karnataka Science Class 12

# Is it true that under certain conditions, Mg can reduce SiO2 and Si can reduce MgO? What are those conditions? - Chemistry

Is it true that under certain conditions, Mg can reduce SiO2 and Si can reduce MgO? What are those conditions?

#### Solution

Mg_(s) + 1/2 O_(2(g)) ->  MgO(s)[triangleG_(Mg, MgO)]

Si_(s) +O_(2(g)) -> SiO_(2(s))[triangleG_(Si.SiO_2)]

The temperature range in which  triangleG_(mg,MgO) is lesser than triangleG_(Si,SiO_2), Mg can reduce SiO2 to Si.

2Mg + SiO_2 -> 2MgO+ Si; triangleG^theta = -ve

On the other hand, the temperatures range in which triangleG_(Si,SiO_2) is less than triangleG_(Mg, MgO), Si can reduce MgO to Mg.

SiO_2 + 2Mg -> SiO_2 + 2Mg; triangleG^theta = -ve

The temperature at which ΔfG curves of these two substances intersect is 1966 K. Thus, at temperatures less than 1966 K, Mg can reduce SiO2 and above 1966 K, Si can reduce MgO.

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#### APPEARS IN

NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Textbook
Chapter 6 General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
Q 4 | Page 157