Question

Which of the following is an oxidation-reduction reaction?

a. HCl(aq) + LiOH(aq) → LiCl(aq) + H₂O(l)
b. Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₂(aq) + 2 NaCl(aq) → PbCl₂(s) + 2 NaC₂H₃O₂(aq)
c. NaI(aq) + AgNO₃(aq) → AgI(s) + NaNO₃(aq)
d. Mg(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)

Answer 1

The oxidation-reduction reaction among the choices given is Mg(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂(g) because it involves the transfer of electrons, with magnesium being oxidized and hydrogen ions being reduced.

Step-by-step explanation:

An oxidation-reduction reaction, or redox reaction, involves the transfer of electrons from one substance to another. The reaction Mg(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂(g) is an example of a redox reaction because magnesium (Mg) is oxidized (it loses electrons) and hydrogen ions (H+) from HCl are reduced (they gain electrons).

The other reactions listed, such as HCl(aq) + LiOH(aq) → LiCl(aq) + H₂O(l) and NaI(aq) + AgNO₃(aq) → AgI(s) + NaNO₃(aq), are examples of acid-base and precipitation reactions, respectively, without any clear electron transfer between oxidizing and reducing agents.