Question

Identify which element is reduced in the following reaction.
C+2H2SO4→CO2+2SO2+2H2O

Answer 1

The correct answer is carbon.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the reaction C+2H2SO4→CO2+2SO2+2H2O, carbon is reduced from an oxidation state of 0 to an oxidation state of +4. This is because carbon gains electrons in the reaction.

Answer 2

The answer is sulfur.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a redox reaction, there is a transfer of electrons between two substances. The substance that loses electrons is oxidized, and the substance that gains electrons is reduced.

In the reaction C + 2H2SO4 → CO2 + 2SO2 + 2H2O, carbon is oxidized from an oxidation state of 0 in elemental carbon to +4 in carbon dioxide. Sulfur, on the other hand, is reduced from an oxidation state of +6 in sulfuric acid to +4 in sulfur dioxide.

Therefore, sulfur is the element that is reduced in this reaction.