The oxides of _____ and _____ metals can be reduced to metals by heating alone in air.
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A.
Zn; Cu
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B.
Hg; Zn
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C.
Hg; Mn
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D.
Hg; Cu
Correct Answer:
D. Hg; Cu
Explanation:
The reduction of metal oxides to pure metals depends on the reactivity of the metal. Metals with low reactivity, such as mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu), have oxides that are relatively unstable when heated. Mercury(II) oxide decomposes into mercury and oxygen upon heating, while copper(I) oxide can also be reduced to copper metal by heating alone or in the presence of air. In contrast, more reactive metals like zinc (Zn) or manganese (Mn) require stronger reducing agents, such as carbon, to be extracted from their oxides. Therefore, the oxides of mercury and copper can be reduced to their metallic forms simply by heating.
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