Question

With reference to the reduction of copper(II)oxide, iron(II)oxide, lead(II)oxide and magnesium oxide; place the oxides in order of increasing ease of reduction. [i.e., first write the oxide that is most difficult to reduce and at last, the oxide, that is most easily reduced.]

Answer 1

From the given list, magnesium oxide is placed above in the reactivity series as it is highly reactive and is difficult to reduce by reducing agents such as carbon and carbon monoxide. Thus, it is reduced by electrolysis. Iron(II) oxide, lead(II) oxide and copper(II) oxide, which are placed in the middle, are moderately active and are reduced by reducing agents such as carbon and carbon monoxide. The increasing order of the ease of reduction of these oxides is given below:
Magnesium oxide
Iron (II) Oxide
Lead (II) Oxide
Copper (II) oxide