Answer:
CH4 gets oxidized to CO2, O2 gets reduced to H2O
CH4 is the reducing agent, O2 is the oxidizing agent
Step-by-step explanation:
Oxidation is a process which involves loss of electrons. Thus, the oxidation number of the substance getting oxidized will increase upon losing electrons. In contrast, reduction involves gain of electrons and substances that undergo reduction show an increase in the oxidation number.
Oxidizing agents are substances that get reduced whereas, reducing agents are ones that get oxidized.
In the given reaction:
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 +2H2O
On the reactants side:
Oxidation number of C in CH4 = -4
H = +1 (there are 4 H , +4)
O2 = 0
On the products side:
C in CO2 = +4
H in H2O = +1
O = -2
Therefore, C gets oxidized from -4 to +4
O gets reduced from 0 to -2
CH4 is the reducing agent and O2 is the oxidizong agent