Question

According to the following diagram, A reduces $BO_2$ when the temperature is :

• A. $> \,1200\,^{\circ}C$ but $< 1400\, ^{\circ}C$
• B. $>\, 1400 \,^\circ C$
• C. $< 1200\, ^\circ C$
• D. $<1200 \, ^\circ C$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question requires us to determine the temperature at which element A can reduce BO_2. Since no specific diagram is provided here, we'll focus on explaining the general approach to such a problem, typically analyzed through the Ellingham diagram for oxides.

The Ellingham diagram is a graphical representation of the thermodynamic feasibility of reduction reactions based on temperature and standard Gibbs free energy changes. In the diagram, the y-axis typically represents the Gibbs free energy change, while the x-axis represents temperature. The lower the line on this diagram for a particular temperature, the more stable the metal oxide is at that temperature.

Reduction occurs when element A has a more negative or less positive Gibbs free energy of oxide formation than BO_2 at a particular temperature. Therefore, A will reduce BO_2 if the line for A is below the line for BO_2 at the given temperature.

From the options given, we need to choose when A can effectively reduce BO_2. Based on the correct answer given ({ANSWER}gt;\, 1400 \,^\circ C$), we infer that at temperatures above 1400 \,^\circ C, the Gibbs free energy for the formation of A's oxide falls below that of BO_2, enabling reduction.

This conclusion implies the following:

• {OPTIONS}gt;\, 1200\, ^\circ C but {OPTIONS}lt; 1400\, ^\circ C: At temperatures in this range, the reduction is not feasible.
• {OPTIONS}gt;\, 1400\, ^\circ C: Valid as the reduction of BO_2 occurs.
• {OPTIONS}lt; 1200\, ^\circ C: At temperatures below this, A likely cannot reduce BO_2.

Hence, option {ANSWER}gt;\, 1400 \,^\circ C correctly represents the temperature range where A can reduce BO_2.