Question

What is occurring in the following reaction? H2 + Cl2 → 2HCl

A: Cl2 is being oxidized.

B: H2 is gaining two electrons.

C: Cl2 is acting as an oxidizing agent.

D: H2 is being reduced.

Answer 1

Cl2 is acting as an oxidizing agent. i took the test

Answer 2

Hydrogen reacts with Chlorine to produce Hydrochloric Acid,

H₂ + Cl₂ → 2 HCl

Oxidation reaction:
The oxidation state of Hydrogen in H₂ is changing from 0 in H₂ to +1 in HCl per atom, means it has lost one electron per atom and two electrons per molecule, i.e. Hence, Hydrogen is oxidized and has acted as reducing agent.

H₂ → 2 HCl + 2 e⁻

Reduction reaction:
The oxidation state of Chlorine in Cl₂ is changing from 0 in Cl₂ to -1 in HCl per atom, means it has lost one electron per atom and two electrons per two atoms, i.e. Hence, Chlorine is reduced and has acted as oxidizing agent.

Cl₂ + 2 e⁻ → 2 HCl

Result:
Option-C is the correct answer, Cl₂ is acting as an oxidizing agent.