Question

What is an example of oxidation and reduction?
A) \[2{H_2} + {O_2} \to 2{H_2}O\]
B) \[2{H_2}{O_2} \to 2{H_2}O + {O_2}\]
C) \[Zn + C{u^2}^ + \to Z{n^2}^ + + Cu\]
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: We need to know that the oxidizing agent is the one which gains an electron and it gets reduced and the Reducing agent is the one which loses an electron and it gets oxidized. Oxidation and reduction reactions are also known as redox reactions sometimes. Oxidation is loss of electrons while reduction is gaining of an electrons.

Complete answer:
We also remember that the oxidation can be termed as loss of electrons or Hydrogen atoms. Oxidation reaction releases energy.
General equation for removal of e- can be represented as:
\[A \to {A^ + } + {e^ - }\]
General equation for removal of Hydrogen can be represented as:
\[AH + {B^ - } \to A + BH\]
Reduction can be termed as gain of electrons or Hydrogen atoms. Reduction reaction stores energy.
General equation for gaining of e- can be represented as:
\[A + {e^ - } \to {A^ - }\]
General equation for gaining of Hydrogen can be represented as:
\[A + BH \to AH + B\]
Example showing oxidation and reduction
\[Zn + C{u^2}^ + \to Z{n^2}^ + + Cu\]
\[Zn\] is a reducing agent and \[Z{n^2}^ + \] is an oxidized product.
\[C{u^2}^ + \] is an oxidizing agent and \[Cu\] is a reduced product.
Option A) this is an incorrect option as \[2{H_2} + {O_2} \to 2{H_2}O\] this reaction is a combination reaction.
Option B) this is an incorrect option as \[2{H_2}{O_2} \to 2{H_2}O + {O_2}\] this reaction represents decomposition reaction.
Option C) this is a correct option as \[Zn + C{u^2}^ + \to Z{n^2}^ + + Cu\] in this reaction we can easily identify oxidation and reduction reactions and what are the oxidized and reduced products.
Option D) this is an incorrect option as we get option C as a correct answer.

Note:
We have to remember that the decomposition reaction is the one in which a compound is decomposed to give more than one product. In combination reactions, two or more reactants combine to give a product. Oxidation is loss of hydrogen atoms whereas reduction is gaining of hydrogen atoms. Also when oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously that reaction is known as redox reaction.