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Identify substance oxidized and oxidizing agent for the following redox reactions. 2H2(g) + O2(g) →2H2O(l)

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Final answer:

In the reaction 2H₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2H₂O(l), the substance oxidized is H₂ and the oxidizing agent is O₂ as it gains electrons and is reduced.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify the substance oxidized and the oxidizing agent in the redox reaction 2H₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2H₂O(l), we must look at the changes in oxidation numbers of the elements involved.

Hydrogen in H₂ is in the +1 oxidation state and in H₂O it remains in the +1 oxidation state, so there is no change in the oxidation state of hydrogen. Oxygen, on the other hand, goes from the 0 oxidation state in O₂ to a -2 oxidation state in H₂O. This change indicates that oxygen has been reduced.

Since hydrogen is the element that goes from an element (oxidation state 0) to a compound (oxidation state +1), it is the substance oxidized. The molecule O₂, which accepts electrons during the process and is reduced, acts as the oxidizing agent.

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