In the following reaction, what is being oxidized, and what is being reduced?

Question

In the following reaction, what is being oxidized, and what is being reduced? Cl​2​ (g) + 2NaBr (aq) → 2NaCl (aq) + Br​2​ (g)

A. Cl–​ ​ in NaCl is oxidized; Br–​ ​ in NaBr is reduced. B. Cl​2​ is oxidized; Br–​ ​ in NaBr is reduced.

C. Br–​ ​ in NaBr is oxidized; Cl–​ ​ in NaCl is reduced. D. Br–​ ​ in NaBr is oxidized; Cl​2​ is reduced.

Answer 1

Cl2(g) + 2NaBr(aq) ===> 2NaCl(aq) + Br2(g)

Chlorine (Cl) on the left goes from oxidation number of zero, to oxidation number of 1- on the right. It has thus been reduced.

Br on the left goes from oxidation number of 1- to zero on the right. It has thus been oxidized.

Answer is D. Br–​ ​ in NaBr is oxidized; Cl​2​ is reduced.