Electrochemistry metallurgy mass calculation

[ambition218]

Homework Statement

Calculate the minimum mass of carbon needed to reduce 1.00 kg from sufficient zinc oxide.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I think the equation would be 2 ZnO + C = Zn + CO2
I know the molar mass of C is 12.01, O is 16 and Zn is 65.4

I have been taking Chemisty by distance and nowhere in my text materials can I find how to solve this question.

 

[Borek]

It is a simple stoichiometry. First, balance your reaction equation - you already have correct reactants and products. Do you know how to read reaction equation?

 

[shikobe]

Good guess on the chemical equation...but this type of reaction is smelting of a metal oxide via a heat furnace, which is done industrially. The products for this reaction is not CO2 but is CO, carbon monoxide. The reaction should look like: ZnO+C>Zn+CO

You need to take mole ratios of what is given...a trick is sometimes if you forget a formula is to use the units given and then play with them to get what you want.

 

[Borek]

From what I understand CO is still strong enough reducing agent to reduce ZnO, so both products (CO & CO₂) are possible.