More often than not, we encounter questions regarding the
decomposition of metal oxides aided by a reducing agent, such as
carbon.
The "standard" equation goes something like this
Metal oxide + carbon ---(heat)---> metal + carbon dioxide
however, i discovered that there were some reactions such as
reduction of zinc oxide and lead(II) oxide which produce CO instead
of CO2.
I would appreciate if someone could explain. Thanks.
Zinc is a relatively (everything's relative... just ask
Einstein) reactive metal, which means that it won't be
that easy to grab away zinc's girlfriend ("oxygen"). Carbon
can grab away oxygen from zinc, but it's harder for carbon monoxide
to do so.
Carbon : "Eh gimmie ur oxygen gf, or else I call my gang whack
u!"
Zinc Oxide : "Ok ok, I give u face this time... but I'll
remember ur face... u be careful..."
Carbon (now in monoxide form, ie. Carbon monoxide) to Zinc (who
has lost his oxygen) : "Muhahaha! Ok, now ur brudder's turn... tell
your younger didi zinc oxide to give up his oxygen
too!")
Zinc & his brudder Zinc Oxide : "Oi! U already got one
oxygen liao, don't be too greedy hor! Don't see we all quiet quiet
good to bully, think we sick kitten izzit! Knn u nvr die b4 izzit,
I tell you..."
Carbon monoxide : "Ok lah! ok lah! Kao peh lah!"
