Question: In the reaction 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, which element is oxidized?
Options:
H
O
H2O
None
Correct Answer: O
Solution:
Oxygen (O) is oxidized as it goes from 0 in O2 to -2 in H2O.
In the reaction 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, which element is oxidized?
Practice Questions
Q1
In the reaction 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, which element is oxidized?
H
O
H2O
None
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In the reaction 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, which element is oxidized?
Correct Answer: Oxygen (O)
Step 1: Identify the reactants in the reaction, which are 2H2 (hydrogen gas) and O2 (oxygen gas).
Step 2: Write down the products of the reaction, which is 2H2O (water).
Step 3: Determine the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products.
Step 4: In the reactant O2, oxygen has an oxidation state of 0 because it is in its elemental form.
Step 5: In the product H2O, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 6: Compare the oxidation states: oxygen goes from 0 in O2 to -2 in H2O.
Step 7: Since the oxidation state of oxygen decreases, it is being reduced, which means hydrogen is being oxidized.
Oxidation and Reduction – Oxidation involves the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state.
Oxidation States – Understanding how to assign oxidation states to elements in compounds and how they change during a chemical reaction.
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