Question

In the following equation, identify the oxidation numbers and the oxidizing/reducing agents. 2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2

Oxidation numbers

On the left:

H2O2 => O (-1) and H (+1)

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On the right:

H2O => O (-2) and H (+1)

O2 => 0

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REDOX reaction: the half-reactions

Oxidation:

`2\text{ O}^(-1)=>\text{ 2O}^0+\text{ 2e}^(-1)`

Reduction:

`2O^(-1)+\text{ 2e}^(-1)=>\text{ 2O}^(-2)`

According to this, H2O2 is the oxidizind and the reducing agent.