Final answer:
To determine if an element has been oxidized or reduced in a reaction, compare the oxidation states of the element in the reactants and products. For the reaction 2Li + 2H2O → 2LiOH + H2, Li is oxidized and H is reduced.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to determine if an element has been oxidized or reduced in a reaction, you can compare the oxidation states of the element in the reactants and products. If the oxidation state of the element increases, it has been oxidized. If the oxidation state decreases, it has been reduced.
For the reaction 2Li + 2H2O → 2LiOH + H2, the oxidation states are as follows:
- Oxidation state of Li in reactant: 0
- Oxidation state of H in reactant: +1
- Oxidation state of O in reactant: -2
The reaction is a synthesis reaction and it is also a redox reaction. In this reaction, Li is oxidized from an oxidation state of 0 to +1, and H is reduced from an oxidation state of +1 to 0.