Determine the oxidation number of each element in the reaction. Then determine the elements that are oxidized, reduced, the oxidizing agent, and the reducing agent.

Question

Determine the oxidation number of each element in the reaction. Then determine the elements that are oxidized, reduced, the oxidizing agent, and the reducing agent.

Cu (s) + 4HNO₃ (aq) -> Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2NO₂ (g) + 2H₂O (l)

Answer 1

Cu (s) + 4HNO₃ (aq) -> Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2NO₂ (g) + 2H₂O (l)

On the left side of the equation:

Cu(s) is zero

H is +1 in HNO₃

N is +5 in HNO₃

O is -2 in HNO₃

On the right side of the equation:

Cu is +2 in Cu(NO₃)₂

N is +5 in Cu(NO₃)₂

O is -2 in Cu(NO₃)₂

N is +4 in NO₂

H is +1 in H₂O

O is i-2 in H₂O

The element that is oxidized (lost electrons) is Cu

The element that is reduced (gained electrons) is N

The oxidizing agent is HNO₃

The reducing agent is Cu