Question

What element is undergoing reduction (if any) in the following reaction?

CH₄(g) + 2O₂(g) ---> CO₂ (g) + 2H₂O (g)
O H₂
O C₂
O O₂
O None of the elements is undergoing reduction.
O Both C and H

Answer 1

In the combustion reaction CH₄(g) + 2O₂(g) → CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(g), oxygen is the element that undergoes reduction as its oxidation number decreases from 0 to -2, indicating it has gained electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question, 'What element is undergoing reduction (if any) in the following reaction? CH₄(g) + 2O₂(g) → CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(g)', pertains to a redox (oxidation-reduction) reaction, which is a chemical process where one element is oxidized (loses electrons) and another is reduced (gains electrons). In this combustion reaction, oxygen (O₂) is the element that is being reduced. This is determined by looking at the changes in oxidation numbers. Oxygen's oxidation number decreases from 0 in O₂(g) to -2 in H₂O(g), meaning it has gained electrons and undergone reduction, acting as an oxidizing agent. Conversely, carbon in CH₄ is oxidized because its oxidation number increases from -4 to +4.