Question

Oxidation-Reduction “redox” type reactions are just one of many different forms of a chemical reaction. Combustion reactions fall under the umbrella of redox reactions. Explain what is happening in a redox reaction. What happens to an element that is oxidized? What happens to an element that is reduced? What is an oxidizing agent, and a reducing agent? Finally, assign oxidation numbers and identify what is being oxidized, what is being reduced, and what is the oxidizing and reducing agent for the following reaction:

CH4 + O2 à CO2 + H2O

Answer 1

CH4+2 O2 GIVES CO2 + 2H2O  REDOX REACTION (OXIDATION; LOSS OF ELECTRONS(CHARGE INCREASE)

REDUCTION; GAIN OF ELECTRONS(CHARGEDECREASES)

OXIDISINGAGENT ; IT GAINES ELECTRONS OR INVOLVES REDUCTION

REDUCINGAGENT; IT LOSE ELECTRONS OR INVOLVES OXIDATION  

IN CH4 CARBON (-4) IS CHANGES TO CARBON(+4)OF CO2 SO CHARGE(OXIDATION NUMBERINCREASE) SO CH4 INVOLVES OXIDATION AND CH4 IS CALLED REDUCING AGENT.

O2 (0) TO OXIDATION NUMBER CHANGES TO -2 IN H20 CHARGE DECREASES SO O2 UNDERGOES

REDUCTION AND O2 IS CALLED OXIDISING AGENT.