Question

Which species is reduced in this reaction: 2 Na(s) + F₂(g) 2 NaF(s).

a) Na
b) F₂
c) Na1+
d) F1-

Answer 1

In the reaction 2 Na(s) + F₂(g) → 2 NaF(s), F₂ is the species that is reduced as its oxidation number goes from 0 to -1, becoming fluoride ions Fⁱ-.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the reaction 2 Na(s) + F₂(g) → 2 NaF(s), the species that is reduced is F₂. To determine which species is reduced, we need to look at the changes in oxidation numbers for the reactants. Sodium (Na) starts in its elemental form with an oxidation number of 0 and becomes Naⁱ+ in NaF, indicating that Na is oxidized. Fluorine (F₂) starts with an oxidation number of 0 in its molecular form and becomes Fⁱ- in NaF, indicating a reduction in oxidation number from 0 to -1. Hence, the reduction occurs with F₂, which gains electrons to become fluoride ions (Fⁱ-).