Based on the Ellingham diagram, which statement is correct?
Metals with higher melting points have higher reduction potentials.
Metals with higher melting points have lower reduction potentials.
Metals with lower melting points have lower reduction potentials.
None of these
In the Ellingham diagram, a more negative ?G value indicates a more thermodynamically favourable reduction reaction, meaning that the metal has a higher reduction potential. Conversely, a less negative ?G value indicates a less thermodynamically favourable reduction reaction, indicating a lower reduction potential.
Metals with higher melting points tend to have more stable oxides, which means that the formation of their oxides is less thermodynamically favourable. This corresponds to a less negative ?G value and lower reduction potentials for these metals.
Therefore, the correct statement is that metals with higher melting points have lower reduction potentials (option 2).