32.9k views
3 votes
In the reaction 2H2O (1)+ 2Cl^- (aq)= H2(g)+Cl2 (g)+ 2OH^-(aq), which substance is reduced?

A. H2O
B. Cl
C. H
D. OH
E. None Of The Above (This Is Not A Redox Reaction)

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:- C. H

Explanations:- Reduction is gain of electron. In other words we could say that decrease in oxidation number is reduction.

As per the rules, oxidation number of hydrogen in its compounds is +1(except metal hydrides) and the oxidation number of oxygen in its compounds is -2.

The oxidation number in elemental form is zero.

In
H_2O , the oxidation number of H is +1 and oxidation number of O is -2. Oxidation number of Cl in
Cl^- is -1. On product side, the oxidation number of hydrogen in
H_2 is zero and in
OH^- the oxidation number of H is +1 and that of O is -2. Oxidation number of Cl in
Cl_2 is 0.

From above data, Oxidation number of O is -2 on both sides so it is not reduced.

Oxidation number of Cl is changing from -1 to 0 which is oxidation.

Oxidation number of H is changing from +1 to 0 which is reduction.

So, the right choice is C.H

User Simon Langhoff
by
7.8k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.