From the Ellingham graph between Gibbs energy and temperature , out of C and CO which is a better reducing agent for ZnO ?

Options

A. Carbon
B. CO
C. Both of these
D. None of these

Explanation

To determine which is a better reducing agent for ZnO between carbon (C) and carbon monoxide (CO) using the Ellingham diagram, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Reduction Process**:
- The reduction of zinc oxide (ZnO) to zinc (Zn) can be represented by the equation:
\[ \text{ZnO} + \text{C} \rightarrow \text{Zn} + \text{CO} \]
- This reaction indicates that carbon is being oxidized to carbon monoxide while zinc oxide is being reduced to zinc.

2. **Identify the Temperatures for Reduction**:
- From the Ellingham diagram, we know that:
- The reduction of ZnO to Zn occurs at approximately 1673 K.
- The reduction of ZnO using carbon occurs at around 1180 K.
- The reduction of ZnO using carbon monoxide occurs at around 1270 K.

3. **Compare Gibbs Free Energy**:
- The Ellingham diagram plots Gibbs free energy (ΔG) against temperature (T). A more negative ΔG indicates a more favorable reaction.
- At the temperature of 1673 K, we need to compare the Gibbs free energy of the reactions involving carbon and carbon monoxide.

4. **Evaluate the Gibbs Free Energy Values**:
- At 1270 K, the Gibbs free energy for the formation of carbon dioxide from carbon (C) is lower than that for the formation of zinc oxide (ZnO).
- Conversely, the Gibbs free energy for the formation of carbon dioxide from carbon monoxide (CO) is higher than that for the formation of zinc oxide (ZnO).

5. **Determine the Better Reducing Agent**:
- Since the Gibbs free energy for the reaction involving carbon is more favorable (more negative) than that for carbon monoxide at the relevant temperatures, carbon is a better reducing agent for the reduction of ZnO to Zn.

### Conclusion:
- **Carbon (C)** is a better reducing agent for ZnO compared to carbon monoxide (CO) based on the analysis of the Gibbs free energy values and the temperatures involved.

---