Assertion (A): In an Ellingham diagram, the oxidation of carbon to carbon monoxide shows a negative

Question

Assertion (A): In an Ellingham diagram, the oxidation of carbon to carbon monoxide shows a negative slope with respect to temperature.\ Reason (R): CO tends to get decomposed at higher temperature.

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

The reaction $2C + O_2 \rightarrow 2CO$ increases the number of gas moles, resulting in positive $\Delta S$ and a negative slope. CO does not decompose at high temperatures; it becomes exceptionally stable.