In: Chemistry
For the following oxidation-reduction reactions, circle the reactant that is oxidized.
(a) O2 (g) + 2Cu (s) → 2CuO (s)
(b) 2K (s) + 2H2O (l) → 2KOH (aq) + H2 (g)
(c) 2HCl (g) + Mg (s) → MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)
(d) 2P (s) + 5Cl2 (aq) → 2PCl5 (s)
(e) 2Li (s) + Cu2+ (aq) → 2Li+ (aq) + Cu (s)
Oxidization: In case of metal involved reactions, the oxidation means the loss of electrons. The species said to be oxidized if loses electron or gives electrons to other species. In case of metals oxidation means the increase in oxidation state by loss of electrons
Reduction: The process of gaining of electrons means the reduction. The lowering of oxidation state indicates reduction of species.
Depending on these definitions the oxidized species are shown in diagrams given.