Introductory Chemistry (5th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 032191029X
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-029-5

Chapter 16 - Oxidation and Reduction - Exercises - Problems - Page 604: 59

Answer

Oxidizing agent : $H_{2}O$ (l) Reducing agent : $Na$ (s)

Work Step by Step

First, find oxidation state of each element in the reaction. Oxidation state of Na in element Na is 0. oxidation state of O = -2, H = +1 in $H_{2}O$. In $NaOH$, oxidation state of O= -2, H=+1 and Na=+1. In $H_2$, oxidation state of H=0. Now, see the change in oxidation state for any atoms. Here, we see that oxidation state of Na is increased (0 in Na to +1 in $NaOH$ ) and oxidation state of H is decreased (+1 in $H_{2}O$ to 0 in $H_2$). That means Na is oxidized (increase in oxidation state) and $H_{2}O$ is reduced. So, oxidizing agent is $H_{2}O$ (because it is reduced but helps Na to oxidize) and reducing agent is $Na$ ( because it is oxidized helps $H_{2}O$ to reduce)
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