Question

In the following equation, name the compound which is oxidized and which is reduced?
$Mn{O_2} + 4HCl \to MnC{l_2} + 2{H_2}O + C{l_2}$

Answer 1

Hint- In order to solve the problem, we will first understand the basic concept between oxidation and reduction. On the basis of the definition, we will check for the compound in the given reaction for the compound which is oxidized and the substance which is reduced.

Complete answer:
Oxidation is the substance which gains oxygen or losses hydrogen and reduction is the substance which gains hydrogen or losses oxygen
The oxidation and reduction reactions always occur simultaneously, such class of chemical reactions was named as the redox reaction or Oxidation-Reduction Reaction. The substance getting reduced in a chemical reaction is known as the oxidizing agent, while a substance that is getting oxidized.
Given reaction is: $Mn{O_2} + 4HCl \to MnC{l_2} + 2{H_2}O + C{l_2}$
This reaction can be seen in two parts as reduction and oxidation:
Reduction:
$Mn{O_2} + 2{e^ - } \to MnC{l_2}$
Here $Mn$ is going from +4 oxidation state to +2 oxidation state thus clearly $Mn$ is gaining electron
Hence, $Mn{O_2}$ is reduced to $MnC{l_2}$.
Oxidation:
$2HCl \to C{l_2} + 2{e^ - }$
Here $Cl$ of $HCl$ is in -1 oxidation state and offer losing its one electron to goes to 0 oxidation state,
Hence, $HCl$ is oxidised to $C{l_2}$ .

Hence, in the given reaction $Mn{O_2}$ is reduced and $HCl$ is oxidized.

Note- Redox reactions are oxidation-reduction chemical reactions in which the reactants undergo a change in their oxidation states. The word "redox" reflects a short process of reduction-oxidation. All redox reactions can be split into two different processes-a process of reduction and an oxidation. Oxidation is the leakage of electrons by a particle, neutron, or nucleus during a reaction. Oxidation happens when a molecule, atom, or ion has an elevated oxidation state. The contrary mechanism is called reduction, which happens as electrons gain or the oxidation state of an atom , molecule or ion decreases.