Which of the following statements is correct based on the Ellingham diagram?
The reduction of to carbon monoxide is thermodynamically favourable.
The reduction of to iron is not possible at any temperature.
The reduction of to mercury is thermodynamically favourable at all temperatures.
The reduction of to copper is not possible.
A) The reduction of to carbon monoxide is thermodynamically favourable: This statement is incorrect. According to the Ellingham diagram, the formation of from carbon and oxygen is thermodynamically favourable (below the line representing ). However, the reduction of to is not thermodynamically favourable, as it requires energy input.
B) The reduction of to iron is not possible at any temperature: This statement is incorrect. According to the Ellingham diagram, the reduction of to is thermodynamically favourable (below the line representing at temperatures below the melting point of iron. Therefore, the reduction of to is possible under suitable conditions.
C) The reduction of to mercury is thermodynamically favourable at all temperatures: This statement is correct. According to the Ellingham diagram, the formation of from mercury and oxygen lies above the line representing . Therefore, the reduction of to is thermodynamically favourable at all temperatures.
D) The reduction of to copper is not possible: This statement is incorrect. According to the Ellingham diagram, the reduction of to is thermodynamically favourable (below the line representing ). Therefore, the reduction of to is possible under suitable conditions.