Question

For ${H_2}S + C{l_2} \to 2HCl + S$ , which substance is:
(i). Oxidized,
(ii). Reduced,
(iii). The oxidizing agent,
(iv). The reducing agent.
Give reasons.

Answer 1

Hint: A reaction in which oxidation, as well as reduction, takes place is regarded as a redox reaction. Both Oxidation and Reduction can be defined on different bases like (i) in terms of hydrogen, (ii) in terms of oxygen, and (iii) in terms of electrons. These redox reactions are very essential for the like. They take part in key reactions of the body like in sodium-potassium pumps, etc.

Complete answer:
Oxidation can be defined as (i) loss of hydrogen, (ii) gain of oxygen, and (iii) loss of electrons. Thus if a reactant loses hydrogen or gains oxygen or loses electrons then it could be said that the reactant undergoes oxidation.
The reduction can be defined as (i) gain of hydrogen, (ii) loss of oxygen, and (iii) gain of electrons. Thus if a reactant gains hydrogen or losses oxygen or gains electrons then it could be said that the reactant undergoes reduction.
If in a reaction there is a change in the number of hydrogen, oxygen, or electrons among the reactants then it is coined as a redox reaction.
The reactant which facilitates the oxidation is called a reducing agent. And the reactant which facilitates the reduction is called an oxidizing agent.
(i). Oxidized: - ${H_2}S$ is oxidized as it loses the hydrogen.
(ii). Reduced: - $C{l_2}$ is reduced as it gains the hydrogen and forms $HCl$ .
(iii). The oxidizing agent: - $C{l_2}$ as the reactant which facilitates the reduction is called an oxidizing agent.
(iv). The reducing agent:- ${H_2}S$ as the reactant which facilitates the oxidation is called a reducing agent.

Note:
Oxidation and reduction reactions are very important for life. Such reactions are even observed in small organisms like bacteria. The plants and green algae prepare their food via an oxidation-reduction reaction called photosynthesis. Humans too can’t sustain life without such reaction, from breathing to providing materials to cells all are governed by the law of redox reactions.