Chapter 21, Problem 21.33SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for magnesium not suitable for reduction method has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

• Reduction of an ore can be done by chemical reduction or electrolysis.
• It depends on metal activity which is determined by standard reduction potential of metals.
• The most active metals are hard to reduce because of its negative standard reduction potential.
• The least active metals are easy to reduce because of its positive standard reduction potential.
• A table defines reduction methods of various metal ores is given as follows

Figure 1