Read the given statements and select the correct option.
Statement 1 : Metal sulphides and carbonates are converted to metal oxides before the process of reduction.
Statement 2 : The reduction of metal oxides is easier than the reduction of metal sulphides and carbonates.

Options

A. Both statements 1 and 2 are true and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are true but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
D. Both statements 1 and 2 are false.

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze the two statements provided and determine their validity.

### Step 1: Analyze Statement 1
**Statement 1:** Metal sulphides and carbonates are converted to metal oxides before the process of reduction.

- **Explanation:** This statement is correct. Metal sulphides (like ZnS) and carbonates (like ZnCO3) are typically converted to their respective metal oxides (like ZnO) before undergoing reduction. This is because metal oxides are generally easier to reduce than their sulphide or carbonate forms.

### Step 2: Analyze Statement 2
**Statement 2:** The reduction of metal oxides is easier than the reduction of metal sulphides and carbonates.

- **Explanation:** This statement is also correct. The reduction of metal oxides is indeed easier because the oxides can be reduced using a variety of methods (like heating with carbon), while sulphides and carbonates require specific processes (roasting for sulphides and calcination for carbonates) which can be more complex.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Both statements are true, and Statement 2 correctly explains Statement 1. Therefore, the correct option is:

**Option 1:** Both statements 1 and 2 are true, and statement 2 is the correct explanation for statement 1.

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