Question

What is an oxidation reaction ? Identify in the following reaction
(i) the substance oxidised, and (ii) the substance reduced :
ZnO + C ———— > Zn + CO

Lakhmir Singh Chemistry Class 10

Answer 1

Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion.

Oxidation occurs when the oxidation state of a molecule, atom or ion is increased. The opposite process is called reduction, which occurs when there is a gain of electrons or the oxidation state of an atom, molecule, or ion decreases.

In this reaction, zinc oxide reacts wih carbon which acts as a reducing agent and zinc is obtained from this reaction and carbon dioxide gas.