Multiple Choice
Identify the oxidizing agent and reducing agent from the following redox reaction.
Ba (s) + Cl2 (g) → BaCl2 (aq)
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16. Oxidation and Reduction
Redox Reactions
Multiple Choice
Which element is being reduced in the following reaction?
Cr2O72- + 3 HNO2 + 5 H+ → 2 Cr3+ + 3NO3- + 4 H2O
A
Cr
B
H
C
N
D
O
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products. For example, in Cr2O7^2-, chromium (Cr) has an oxidation state of +6, and in Cr^3+, it has an oxidation state of +3.
Determine the change in oxidation states for each element. A decrease in oxidation state indicates reduction, while an increase indicates oxidation.
For chromium (Cr), the oxidation state changes from +6 in Cr2O7^2- to +3 in Cr^3+. This is a decrease, indicating that Cr is being reduced.
Check the oxidation states of other elements to confirm they are not being reduced. For example, nitrogen (N) in HNO2 changes from +3 to +5 in NO3^-, indicating oxidation.
Conclude that the element being reduced is the one whose oxidation state decreases, which in this case is chromium (Cr).
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