Question

Carbon cannot reduce the oxides of Na or Mg.

Hint:

Carbon reduces oxides of less reactive metals only.

Answer 1

Reason: Carbon Cannot Reduce the Oxides of Sodium (Na) or Magnesium (Mg)

Carbon cannot reduce the oxides of sodium or magnesium because sodium and magnesium are more reactive than carbon. In the reactivity series of metals, both sodium and magnesium are placed above carbon.

Detailed Explanation:

1. Reactivity Series Concept:
The reactivity series arranges metals in order of their decreasing reactivity. Metals that are higher in the series are more reactive and have a greater tendency to form stable compounds.

2. Position of Sodium and Magnesium:
Sodium and magnesium are highly reactive metals and are placed above carbon in the reactivity series. Because of this, their oxides (Na₂O and MgO) are very stable.

3. Carbon as a Reducing Agent:
Carbon can reduce the oxides of metals that are less reactive than itself (such as zinc, iron, and copper). However, it cannot remove oxygen from the oxides of more reactive metals like sodium and magnesium.

4. Strong Metal–Oxygen Bond:
The bond between sodium/magnesium and oxygen is very strong. Therefore, carbon does not have enough reducing power to break this bond and extract the metal.

Conclusion:
Carbon cannot reduce the oxides of sodium or magnesium because these metals are more reactive than carbon and form very stable oxides that carbon is unable to decompose.