In the following redox reaction, which species is being reduced and which is being oxidized?

Question

2 C₂H₆ (g) + 7 O₂ (g) --> 4 CO₂ (g) + 6 H₂O (g)

I got as far as identifying O₂ as the species being reduced (oxidation state decreases) but then I got confused with how C₂H₆ is being oxidized because the oxidation state for hydrogen decreases and signifies a reduction while the oxidation state for carbon increases, signifying oxidation. Is C₂H₆ being oxidized and if so, how?

Answer 1

C2H6 is oxidized and O2 is reduced. No change in oxidation state for hydrogen H. Please see video for clarification.

Answer 2

You are correct that O₂ is being reduced so it must be that C₂H₆ is being oxidized. How is this the case. The oxidation state of C in C₂H₆ is -3 and in CO₂ it is +4, so it is oxidized. Not sure why you say oxidation state of H decreases.