Question

in the reaction between bromine and sodium, a bromine atom gains an electron and forms the bromide ion, Br. what happens to bromine?

Answer 1

The chemical reaction representing the reaction of sodium metal with bromine $2Na(aq)+Br_{2}(l) --->NaBr(aq)$

In oxidation half reaction the sodium metal in solid state is oxidised to sodium in aqueous state by loss of electrons

$2Na(s)---->2Na^{+} (aq)+2e^{-}$

In reduction half reaction the bromine in liquid state by gaining two electrons is reduced to $Br^{-}$ ion in aqueous state.

$Br_{2} (l)+2e^{-} --->2Br^{-} (aq)$

Hence in the above reaction $Br_{2}$ is reduced.