Question

The reaction of Cr₂O₃ with silicon metal at high temperatures will make chromium metal. The reaction is begun with 125.00 g of Si and 98.00 g of Cr₂O₃.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The reaction of chromium(III) oxide with silicon to produce chromium metal at high temperatures is true. This type of reaction is known as a reduction or redox reaction where silicon acts as the reducing agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assentation that silicon reacts with chromium(III) oxide (Cr₂O₃) at high temperatures to yield chromium metal is true. This kind of reaction in which a more reactive element (such as silicon in this case) displaces a less reactive element (chromium) from its compound is known as a reduction or redox reaction. The process of producing chromium involves such a reaction, where silicon serves as the reducing agent.

To further confirm this chemical behavior, we observe similar processes, such as the high-temperature reduction of silicon dioxide which is reduced by strong reducing agents including carbon and magnesium. It is also noteworthy that in various reactions, chromium can change its oxidation state, often going from Cr²⁺ to Cr³⁺ when it acts as a reducing agent.

Since the question is straightforward and based on principles of reduction reactions, we do not have a need to delve into the exact stoichiometry of the reaction between silicon and Cr₂O₃. However, based on the type of chemical reactions described, it is factual that chromium metal can indeed be produced through the reaction of silicon with Cr₂O₃ at high temperatures.