Question

In the reaction of calcium with chlorine, which atom is oxidized?

a. calcium
b. chlorine
c. both
d. neither

Answer 1

The reaction between calcium and chlorine is given by the following equation ->

Ca+2 + Cl - -> CaCl2

Lets find the oxidation number of each atom.

Ca has an oxidation number of +2 as oxidation number is equal to charge.
Cl has an oxidation number of -1 since oxdiation number is equal to charge.
Lets now find the oxidation number of CaCl2. Since it's a compound the oxidation number of all atoms have to be equal to 0.
To prove that we know the oxidation number of Calcium and Chlorine.

Ca + Cl2 = 0
+2 + 2 (-2) = 0
+2 -2 = 0
0=0 therefore the oxidation number of CaCl2 is 0

Ok now lets asign this to the reaction.

Ca+2 + Cl - -> CaCl2

+2 -1 0

Check if the equation is balanced here it is not. ( In a question you are usually required to balance the equation using oxidation numbers ). It doesn't affect which element is oxidised. But I'll show you here any way.

Ca+2 + Cl - -> CaCl2

+2 -1 0

Calcium gains 2 electons ( e-) where
Chlorine looses 1 electron. Therefore we need two chlorine atoms for each calcium.

Ca+2 + 2Cl- -> CaCl2


To find which atom is oxidised we need to know what oxidation means.

Oxidation in terms of electron transfer it is the loss of electrons.
and
Reduction is the opposite ( gain of electrons )

Calcium gains two electrons therefore it is reduced.
Chlorine looses one eelectron therefore it is oxidised.

Therefore the answer is (b).

Hope this helps ;).

Answer 2

a. calcium

Explanation:

Reaction of Ca with Cl₂

Ca + Cl₂→ CaCl₂

As per the rule of assigning oxidation number, the oxidation of any element in its free elemental state is zero. So the oxidation number of Ca and Cl₂ is 0. Now in CaCl₂, the oxidation of Cl is -1 and Ca +2. As per the rule of assigning oxidation number halogen such chlorine in its combined state have oxidation number -1 and alkaline earth metal have oxidation number +2.

When element is oxidized its oxidation number increases and when an element is reduced its oxidation number decreases. Here Ca gets oxidized and Cl₂ is reduced.