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.
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