Question

What kind of reaction occurs when a molecule of glucose reacts with oxygen to give carbon dioxide and water?

Answer 1

An oxidation-reduction reaction

Step-by-step explanation:

`\stackrel{\hbox{-2}}{\hbox{C}}\text{$_(6)$H$_(12)$O$_(6)$} + 6\stackrel{\hbox{0}}{\hbox{O}\text{$_(2)$}} \longrightarrow 6\stackrel{\hbox{+4}}{\hbox{C}}\text{O$_(2)$}} + 6\text{H$_(2)$}\stackrel{\hbox{-2}}{\hbox{O}}`

Look at the oxidation numbers of the atoms.

Each carbon atom in glucose loses four electrons (oxidation), and each oxygen atom in O₂ gains two electrons (reduction).