Lead is extracted by heating its oxide with carbon: lead oxide + carbon → lead + carbon monoxide . Why can carbon be used for this reaction?

The extraction of metals from their ores is dependent on their reactivity. In the process of extraction of metals from their ores, carbon is used for reaction with metal oxides less reactive than itself to obtain metal through reduction. The carbon used to extract lead from lead oxide is in the form of coke, which is heated with the metal oxide in a furnace. If the carbon reacts in limited supply of oxygen, it forms carbon monoxide.

Lead is extracted by heating its oxide with carbon: lead oxide + carbon → lead + carbon monoxide . One substance is reduced. Which one?

The extraction of metals from their ores is dependent on their reactivity. In the process of extraction of metals from their ores, carbon is used for reaction with metal oxides less reactive than itself to obtain metal through reduction. In the reaction, lead oxide is converted to lead metal. Lead loses its oxygen, hence, it is reduced. Carbon is converted into carbon monoxide, meaning that it undergoes oxidation.

Lead is extracted by heating its oxide with carbon: lead oxide + carbon → lead + carbon monoxide . Which substance is the reducing agent?

The extraction of metals from their ores is dependent on their reactivity. In the process of extraction of metals from their ores, carbon is used for reaction with metal oxides less reactive than itself to obtain metal through reduction. In the reaction, lead oxide is converted to lead metal, while carbon is converted into carbon monoxide. Carbon used in this reaction acts as reducing agent. It causes the reduction of lead, while undergoing oxidation itself.

The reaction lead oxide + carbon → lead + carbon monoxide is a redox reaction. Why?

In the extraction of metals from their respective ores, carbon is used when the ores are metal oxides. Carbon reacts with metal oxides of less reactive metals than itself to yield the metal through reduction process. In the reaction of lead oxide with carbon, lead oxide is converted into lead, thus losing its oxygen. Carbon on the other hand, is converted into carbon monoxide, thus gaining additional oxygen. The reaction involves oxidation of carbon and reduction of lead oxide, hence, the reaction is said to be a redox reaction.