Which statement about the redox reaction that forms water is correct?
a
Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, so oxygen is oxidized and hydrogen is reduced.
b
Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, so hydrogen is oxidized and oxygen is reduced.
c
Hydrogen is more electronegative than oxygen, so oxygen is oxidized and hydrogen is reduced.
d
Hydrogen is more electronegative than oxygen, so hydrogen is oxidized and oxygen is reduced.
b
Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, so hydrogen is oxidized and oxygen is reduced.
Explanation:
In a redox reaction, the element that is more electronegative typically gains electrons and is reduced, whereas the less electronegative element loses electrons and is oxidized. Oxygen (O) is more electronegative than hydrogen (H). During the formation of water (H₂O), hydrogen atoms lose electrons (are oxidized) to become positively charged ions (H⁺), and oxygen atoms gain these electrons (are reduced) to form water.