Question

If an element is a reactant or product in a chemical reaction, the reaction must be an oxidaton-reduction reaction. Why is this true?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxidation reduction reactions are the reactions in which one specie oxidizes and other reduces.

For example,

`2Na+2HCl\rightarrow H_2+2NaCl`

This is a oxidation reduction reaction because sodium in elemental state ( 0 oxidation state) oxidizes to Na⁺ in NaCl. Also H⁺ in HCl reduces to H° in H₂.

Elements are present in 0 oxidation state and either it is formed or consumed, its oxidation state has to be changed for a chemical reaction to occur. Hence, it is true.