Question

For the following reaction determine: element oxidized, element reduced, oxidizing agent, reducing agent

2 Al(s) + 6 H⁺(aq) --> 2 Al³⁺(aq) + 3 H₂(g)

....

I got as my answers:

element oxidized: Al³⁺

element reduced: H₂

oxidizing agent: H⁺

reducing agent: Al

Is this correct?

Answer 1

Answer:-

As we know that

2 Al_(s) + 6H⁺_(aq)  $\rightarrow$ 2Al³⁺_(aq) + 3H_2(g)

Also we know that oxidation is that process in which an element or atom has tendency to donate the electrons. In oxidation , the oxidation state or oxidation no. of an atom or element increased whereas reduction is that process in which an element or atom has tendency to accept the electrons. In reduction , the oxidation state or oxidation no. of an atom or element decreased.

As mention in above reaction

2 Al_(s)   $\rightarrow$ 2Al³⁺_(aq) + 6e^- ( oxidation)

oxidation state of Al increased from 0 (Al_(s)) to +3 (Al³⁺) therefore Al_(s) is oxidized into Al³⁺ .

So correct answer is Al_(s) is oxidized.

whereas

6H⁺_(aq) + 6e^-   $\rightarrow$ 3H_2(g) (reduction)

oxidation state of H⁺ decreased from +1 (H⁺) to 0 (H₂) therefore H⁺_(aq) is reduced into H_2(g).

So correct answer is H⁺ is reduced.

Also we know that reducing agent is that agent which oxidized itself and produced electrons for reduction purpose of other atom or element therefore reducing agent helps reduction of  other atom or element whereas oxidizing agent is that agent which reduced itself by accepting the electrons and these electrons are provided by oxidation of other element or atom therefore reducing agent helps oxidation of other atom or element.

2 Al_(s) + 6H⁺_(aq)   $\rightarrow$ 3H_2(g)

reducing agent reduction

In above reaction Al_(s) is a reducing agent and helps in the reduction of  H⁺_(aq) into H_2(g) by providing electrons through oxidation for reduction purpose of H⁺_(aq).

So correct answer is Al_(s) is a reducing agent.

whereas

6H⁺_(aq) +   2 Al_(s)   $\rightarrow$ 2Al³⁺_(aq)

oxidizing agent oxidation

In above reaction H⁺_(aq) is a oxidizing agent and helps in the oxidation of  Al_(s) into Al³⁺_(aq)  by accepting electrons which are produced from Al_(s) through oxidation.

So correct answer is H⁺_(aq) is a oxidizing agent .