Principle

The reduction, as the reversal of the oxidation, can be achieved
thermally or with the aid of a reducing agent.
Some metal oxides can be decomposed into the metal and oxygen under
the influence of thermal energy. In the case of less noble metals,
a reducing agent is required for obtaining the elements. The redox
processes during the preparation of lead demonstrate the
relationship between oxidation and reduction.

By way of this experiment it can be shown that during the
reduction of an oxide the reducing agent itself is oxidised:
hydrogen to water, carbon to carbon dioxide. A reduction process is
always coupled with an oxidation process, which is why this type of
reaction is referred to as a redox reaction.


Tasks


Reduction of lead(IV) oxide to
lead(II) oxide by thermolysis. 

Reduction of lead(II) oxide by way of
charcoal to obtain elementary lead.

Reduction of iron
oxide including the formation of hydrogen
based on pyrophoric iron.


What you can learn about


Reduction

Oxidation

Redox reaction

Lead

Iron

Thermolysis