Identify the substance that gets reduced in the given equation:

ZnO + C → Zn + CO

Correct option is C

​The correct answer is (c) ZnO

Explanation:

In the given chemical reaction:

                  $$\text{ZnO} + C \rightarrow \text{Zn} + CO$$​​

• Reduction is the gain of electrons or loss of oxygen.
• Oxidation is the loss of electrons or gain of oxygen.

Here, ZnO (Zinc Oxide) loses oxygen and forms Zn (Zinc metal). Since losing oxygen is reduction, ZnO is getting reduced.

Meanwhile, carbon (C) gains oxygen and forms CO (Carbon Monoxide), meaning carbon is oxidized.

Thus, ZnO is the substance that gets reduced in this reaction.

Information Booster:

Concept of Redox Reactions

• A reaction where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously is called a redox reaction.
• Reducing Agent: The substance that loses electrons and gets oxidized (Here, C is the reducing agent).
• Oxidizing Agent: The substance that gains electrons and gets reduced (Here, ZnO is the oxidizing agent).

Examples of Redox Reactions in Metallurgy:

Extraction of Iron (Fe) from Iron Ore:

​$$\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3CO \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3CO_2$$​​

• Fe₂O₃ gets reduced to Fe (Iron).
• CO gets oxidized to CO₂.

Copper Extraction:

​$$\text{CuO} + C \rightarrow \text{Cu} + CO$$​​

• CuO (Copper Oxide) is reduced to Cu.
•  (C) is oxidized to CO.