Question

Which of the following behaves as both oxidising and reducing agents ?
(a) H₂SO₄
(b) SO₂
(c) H₂O
(d) HNO₃

Give answer with step by step explanation​

Answer 1

Answer:

Option b✓ is the correct answer.

SO2 behaves as both oxidising and reducing agent.

Explanation:

• The oxidation state of SO2 is +4 .
• It can both loose as well as gain electrons.
• It can gain 2 electrons to attain the oxidation state of -2 .
• It can also loose electrons two electrons to attain the oxidation state of +6.
• As it had the capability of both losing and gaining electrons , hence we can say that it had both the properties to act as both oxidising and reducing a

All other compounds can act either as oxidising agent or reducing agent.

Only SO2 is the compound which acts as both oxidising agent and reducing agent.

Answer 2

Answer:

Option (b) SO2

Explanation :-

• According to the question its says which chemical behaves has oxidizing and reducing agents so SO2 behaves has both oxidising and reducing agents.
• Oxidising means gaining of oxygen during reaction.
• Reducing means loss of oxygen during reaction.
• SO2 can gain and also loose electron.
• When you observed the compound oxidation state of SO2 is + 4 which is highest and the lowest oxidation is - 2.
• It can only change the oxidation no. only from + 4 to - 2
• It can gain & loose electron therefore, it has both the properties of gaining and loosing electron it can act as both oxidising and reducing agents.
• Whereas the other chemical substance can't gain or loose electron at a same time so they can either be oxidising or reducing agent.