Ellingham diagram
Metallurgy and Extraction (General Principles) · Chemistry
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Can carbon reduce MgO? Use the Ellingham diagram. Step 1: Find C → CO line and Mg → MgO line. Step 2: They cross at ~1800°C; below that, MgO's line is lower (more stable). Step 3: Reduction needs the reducer's line BELOW the oxide's. Step 4: Only above ~1800°C can C reduce MgO — impractical! (That's why Mg needs electrolysis.)