Question

(i) Name the method used for the refining of zirconium.
(ii) What is the role of $CO$ in the extraction of Iron?
(iii) Reduction of metal oxide to metal becomes easier if the metal obtained is in the liquid state. Why?

Answer 1

$\left(i\right)$ Van-Arkel method is used for the refining of Zicronium.

$Zr+2I_2⟶Zr{I}_4$ Formation of metal iodides

$Zr{I}_4\underset{1800K}{⟶}\underset{Pure/quadmetal}{\underset{}{Zr}}+2I_2$ Decomposition to yield pure metal.

$\left(iii\right)$ In the liquid, the temperature of the substance is higher. As per the Ellingham diagram, the value of $\Delta G$ for the formation of metal oxides increases as temperature increases. At the higher temperatures, the reduction of the metal oxides is easier. For the reduction of metal oxide, the Gibbs energy should be negative. So, reduction of metal oxide to metal becomes easier if the metal obtained is in the liquid state.