In the reaction ZnO + C → Zn + CO, 'C' acts as

In the reaction ZnO + C → Zn + CO, ‘C’ acts as

[amp_mcq option1=”an acid” option2=”a base” option3=”an oxidising agent” option4=”a reducing agent” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2015

In the reaction ZnO + C → Zn + CO, zinc oxide (ZnO) loses oxygen to become zinc (Zn), undergoing reduction. Carbon (C) gains oxygen to become carbon monoxide (CO), undergoing oxidation.

A reducing agent is a substance that causes another substance to be reduced, while it itself is oxidized. In this reaction, carbon (C) removes oxygen from ZnO, thus causing the reduction of ZnO. Carbon itself is oxidized in the process. Therefore, carbon acts as a reducing agent.

Conversely, an oxidising agent is a substance that causes another substance to be oxidized, while it itself is reduced. ZnO acts as the oxidising agent in this reaction because it provides oxygen for the oxidation of carbon and is itself reduced. This is a common method for the extraction of metals from their oxides using carbon as a reducing agent (smelting).

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