In the reaction

2HNO3(aq) + Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) �¨ 2NO2(g) + Cu2+(g) + 2H2O(l)
Which of the following statements is correct?

A.HNO3 is the reducing agent, and Cu is the oxidizing agent
B.HNO3 is the reducing agent, and H+ is the oxidizing agent
C.Cu is the reducing agent, and H+ is the oxidizing agent
D.Cu is the reducing agent, and HNO3 is the oxidizing agent
E.H+ is the reducing agent, and Cu is the oxidizing agent

In the reaction

2HNO3(aq) + Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) �¨ 2NO2(g) + Cu2+(g) + 2H2O(l)
Which of the following statements is correct?

A.HNO3 is the reducing agent, and Cu is the oxidizing agent
B.HNO3 is the reducing agent, and H+ is the oxidizing agent
C.Cu is the reducing agent, and H+ is the oxidizing agent
D.Cu is the reducing agent, and HNO3 is the oxidizing agent
E.H+ is the reducing agent, and Cu is the oxidizing agent

answere here?

jnk

To determine which species is the reducing agent and which is the oxidizing agent, we need to look at the changes in oxidation states of the elements involved in the reaction.

In this reaction, the copper (Cu) is going from an oxidation state of 0 (in its solid form) to a +2 oxidation state (in the Cu2+ cation). This indicates that copper is losing electrons and is being oxidized. Therefore, copper is the reducing agent.

On the other hand, the nitrogen (N) in HNO3 is going from +5 to +4 in NO2. This means that nitrogen is gaining electrons and being reduced. Hence, HNO3 is the oxidizing agent.

Therefore, the correct statement is C. Cu is the reducing agent, and H+ is the oxidizing agent.

I will be happy to critique your thinking.

ljloubi h uhi