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Consider the following reaction:Mg + Br2 → MgBr2Which of the following statements is true?Group of answer choicesThe bromine atom is losing electrons; therefore, it is reduced.The bromine atom is gaining electrons; therefore, it is oxidized.The magnesium atom is gaining electrons; therefore, it is oxidized.The magnesium atom is losing electrons; therefore, it is oxidized.none of these

User Yohan
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1 Answer

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The First step is to write and balance our reaction:

Mg + Br2 → MgBr2

As we can see Mg and Br2 have a charge equal to zero. Therefore, on the right side, we must have a zero electrical charge too.

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The second step is to analyze what happens to each of them when the reaction occurs.

Mg) On the left, its oxidation state is 0, then in MgBr2, Mg has a +2 charge. So, we can say that if the atom goes from 0 to +2, it loses electrons (loses negative charges or gain positive charge). We can also say that Mg oxidized.

Until here, the atom that loses electrons gets oxidized.

Br)On the left, Br starts with 0, then in MgBr2, it has -1. So we can say that Br gained electrons (gain negative charge). We can also say that Br is reduced.

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The 3rd step is to find the right statement.

Answer: The magnesium atom is losing electrons; therefore, it is oxidized.

User Anka
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