Question:medium

Given below are two statements:
Statement I : According to the Ellingham diagram, any metal oxide with higher ΔG° is more stable than the one with lower ΔG°.
Statement II :The metal involved in the formation of oxide placed lower in the Ellingham diagram can reduce the oxide of a metal placed higher in the diagram.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

Updated On: Mar 17, 2026
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
  • Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
  • Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To solve the given question, let's analyze each statement based on the principles of thermodynamics and metallurgical processes using the Ellingham diagram.

Analysis of Statements:

  • Statement I: "According to the Ellingham diagram, any metal oxide with higher ΔG° is more stable than the one with lower ΔG°."

The Ellingham diagram is a plot of the standard Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°) for the formation of metal oxides. A metal oxide's position in the diagram indicates its thermodynamic stability. In this context:

  • A higher position (higher ΔG°) on the Ellingham diagram means it has a less negative ΔG° compared to others, which actually indicates less stability for a metal oxide.
  • The lower the position (more negative ΔG°), the more stable the oxide because it will require more energy to decompose it.

Hence, Statement I is incorrect.

  • Statement II: "The metal involved in the formation of oxide placed lower in the Ellingham diagram can reduce the oxide of a metal placed higher in the diagram."

This statement revolves around reduction potential and is correct because:

  • A metal whose oxide is lower on the diagram has a more negative ΔG° than a metal-oxide higher than itself.
  • This metal can provide the Gibbs free energy required to reduce an oxide placed higher on the diagram by counteracting the energy needed for decomposition.

Hence, Statement II is correct.

Conclusion:

Based on the explanations, the most appropriate answer is:

Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.

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