Use oxidation states to identify the element/ion that is oxidized and the element/ion that is reduced, as well as the oxidizing and reducing agent in the following redox reaction.
Ba(s) + 2HCl(aq) --> BaCl2(aq) + H2(g)
being oxidized:
being reduced:
oxidizing agent:
reducing agent:
Given redox reaction is,
Ba(s) + 2HCl(aq) BaCl2(aq) + H2(g)
oxidation state of Ba(s) = 0
oxidation state of hydrogen ion in HCl (aq) = +1
oxidation state of chloride ion in HCl (aq) = -1
oxidation state of Barium ion in BaCl2(aq) = +2 [ x-2 = 0; x=2]
oxidation state of chloride ion in BaCl2(aq) = -1 [no change]
oxidation state of hydrogen in H2(g) = 0
from this calculation we can see that Barium changes oxidation state from 0 to +2
i.e gets oxidised by loosing electrons.
Such element loosing electrons in the redox reaction is said to be reducing agent.
Also hydrogen changes oxidation state from +1 to 0.
i.e. gets reduced by gaining electrons.
the element gaining electrons in the redox reaction is said to be oxidising agent.
Hence, in the given reaction,
being oxidised : Ba
being reduced: HCl
oxidizing agent: HCl
Reducing agent: Ba
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