Question

What is the oxidized substance in the following reaction? Fe + 2HCl → FeCl2 + H2 A. Fe B. HCl C. FeCl2 D. H2

Answer 1

Fe is the oxidized substance

Answer 2

The Fe increases its oxidation number from 0 to +2, it means that electrons are lost, therefore the Fe is the reducing agent and is the oxidized substance.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. First write down the chemical equation:

`Fe+_(2)HCl=FeCl_(2)+H_(2)`

2. Then determine the oxidation numbers for each compound:

`Fe^(0) +_(2)H^(+1)Cl^(-1)=Fe^(+2)Cl^(-1)_(2)+H^(0)_(2)`

3. Write the elements that change its oxidation number:

-
`H`

`H^(+1)` →
`H^(0)`

The H decreases its oxidation number from +1 to 0, it means that electrons are gained, therefore the H is the oxidizing agent and is the reduced substance.

-
`Fe`

`Fe^(0)` →
`Fe^(+2)`

The Fe increases its oxidation number from 0 to +2, it means that electrons are lost, therefore the Fe is the reducing agent and is the oxidized substance.