Question

Metals like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium are extracted by electrolysis of their chlorides in molten state. These metals are not extracted by reduction of their oxides with carbon because:
a) Reduction with carbon is very expensive
b) Carbon readily makes alloys with these metals
c) Carbon has less affinity for oxygen than these metals
d) Carbon is a weaker reducing agent than these metals

• A. (a) and (b)
• B. (b) and (c)
• C. (c) and (d)
• D. (d) and (a)

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

(c) and (d)

Carbon is having less affinity for oxygen and also it is a weaker reducing agent than these metals. Reducing agents are the elements that can donate electrons and itself gets oxidized. Carbon does not electrons. Metals donate electrons easily whereas non metals accepts electrons easily.