What is the reducing agent in the following reaction?
2NA + 2H2O 2NaOH + H2
A.Na
B.H2O
C.NaOH
D.H2
I think it is B...?
To identify the reducing agent in the reaction, we need to compare the oxidation states of each element in the reaction before and after the reaction.
In this reaction:
2Na + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2
The oxidation state of Na changes from 0 to +1 in NaOH. So, Na is getting oxidized.
The oxidation state of H in H2O changes from +1 to 0 in H2. So, H2O is getting reduced.
Thus, the reducing agent is H2O. Therefore, your answer is not B, but rather the correct choice is A. Na
To determine the reducing agent in a reaction, we need to understand the concept of oxidation and reduction.
In a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction, oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction refers to the gain of electrons. The reducing agent is the substance that causes another substance to undergo reduction by donating electrons.
In the given reaction:
2Na + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2
We can observe that sodium (Na) is being oxidized by losing electrons, going from a neutral state to a positive state in NaOH. This indicates that sodium is not the reducing agent since it is undergoing oxidation.
Water (H2O) does not change its oxidation state in this reaction, so it is not the reducing agent either.
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is formed by accepting the electron(s) from sodium, causing a reduction reaction, but it is not the reducing agent because it itself is being reduced.
Hydrogen (H2) is the only substance that is undergoing reduction in this reaction, going from a neutral state to a positive state as H2 becomes H2 gas. Hydrogen donates its electrons to form H2 gas, causing the reduction of Na+ to Na. Therefore, the reducing agent in this reaction is D. H2.
So, the correct answer is D. H2.