It can act as both an oxidizing and reducing agent.
It does not participate in redox reactions.
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the role of hydrogen in redox reactions?
Step 1: Understand what a redox reaction is. A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons between two substances.
Step 2: Identify the two roles in a redox reaction: oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons).
Step 3: Learn that hydrogen can lose an electron, which means it can be oxidized. When hydrogen loses an electron, it becomes a hydrogen ion (H+).
Step 4: Recognize that when hydrogen is added to another substance, it can provide electrons, making that substance reduced. This means hydrogen can act as a reducing agent.
Step 5: Understand that hydrogen can also gain electrons in some reactions, which means it can be reduced. In this case, it acts as an oxidizing agent.
