Question

In the unbalanced equation given below, what is the element that is gaining electrons?

HCl + MnO2 → MnCl2 + H2O + Cl2

a.Mn

b.Ci

c.O

d.H

Answer 1

Hey there!:

HCl + MnO2 → MnCl2 + H2O + Cl2

* in HCl the oxidation state of Cl is -1 .

* on the product side the oxidation state is 0 .

* therefore Cl gains electrons .

* in MnO2 the oxidation state of Mn is +4

* in MnCl2 the oxidation state of Mn is +2

Therefore Mn loses electrons

Answer A

Hope That helps!

Answer 2

Mn is gaining electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let us consider the oxidation state of each element in the given equation.

a) H in HCl : +1

b) Mn in MnO₂ : +4

c) Mn in MnCl₂ : +2

d) H in H₂O : +1

e) Cl in Cl₂ : 0

There is a decrease in oxidation number of Mn from MnO₂ to MnCl₂.

Thus Mn is gaining electrons in the reaction.

Mn is undergoing reduction in the process and chlorine is undergoing oxidation.