Question

Identify the reducing agent in the following reactions
(a) 4NH3 + 5O2→ 4NO + 6H2O
(b) H2O + F2 → HF + HOF
(c) Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
(d) 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

Answer 1

a) 5O2
b)H2O
c)3CO
d) 2H2

Answer 2

ANSWER

NH3, F2, CO, H2

Explanation:

a) 4NH3 + 5O2 → 4NO + 6H2O

NH3 gets oxidized to NO (Removal of hydrogen, addition of oxygen). O2 gets reduced to H2O (Addition of hydrogen). Thus, NH3 acts as reducing agent.

b) H2O + F2 → HF + HOF

F2 acts as the reducing agent and gets oxidized to HOF.

c) Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

CO acts as the reducing agent and reduces Fe2O3 to Fe.

d) 2H2 + O2→ 2H2O

H2 acts as the reducing agent and gets oxidized to water.