Question

How ${P_4}{O_{10}}$ is converted to white phosphorus by reduction ?
A.Al
B.C
C.Na
D.All are correct

Answer 1

In order to solve this question we will take the help of electrothermic process so for it we will learn the electrothermic process then we will perform the probable reaction to reduce the reactant (${P_4}{O_{10}}$) and after it we will get the final answer which converts it to the white phosphorus.

Complete step-by-step answer: For solving this question we will use the electrothermic process so first we will have a look it at once:
Electrothermic process:
Any process which uses an electric current to generate heat, utilizing resistance, arcs, or induction; used to achieve temperatures higher than can be obtained by combustion methods.
${P_4}{O_{10}}$ is converted into white phosphorus by reduction with carbon in an electrothermic process:
According to reaction:
${P_4}{O_{10}} + 10C \to {P_4} + 10CO$
By the above reaction it is clear that the correct answer is carbon.

Additional information: Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth. It has a concentration in the Earth's crust of about one gram per kilogram (compare copper at about 0.06 grams). In minerals, phosphorus generally occurs as phosphate.

So the correct option will be B.

Note: While solving these types of problems we should keep in mind that carbon is a reducing agent and always it is oxidized and here the oxygen is removal of oxygen from the phosphorus so the phosphorus is an oxidizing agent and it is reduced.