Question

From Zn+2 an H+ ion which is more reducing agent and why ​

Answer 1

ANSWER

●Zn + 2 HCl=====> ZnCl2 + H2.

●Here neither HCl or H+- ion is the reducing agent. Zinc is the reducing agent. In a Chemical reaction a reducing agent reduces a substance and subsequently it will get oxidised.

●In this case HCl is reduced to H2- gas. This is because the oxidation number of Hydrogen in HCl is +1. When it is converted to hydrogen gas it's oxidation number is (0). So it is reduction.

●Now let us see what happens to the reducing agent Zn- metal. In the metallic state its oxidation number is (0). After it has reduced HCl to hydrogen gas, it has been oxidised to ZnCl2, ie Zn ²+ - ion!! . Its oxidation number is +2.

●So in the above reaction ZINC is the reducing agent.

●[Note: In this reaction the Chloride ion (Cl- ion) has the same oxidation number of (-1) in HCl or ZnCl2. So the chloride ion is neither oxidised or reduced in this Reaction. ]