Question

Identify the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent in the following reactions: (i) 8NH3( g) + 6NO2( g) => 7N2( g) + 12H2O( l) (ii) Zn(s) +AgNO3(aq) => Zn(NO3) 2(aq) + Ag(s) (unbalanced)

Answer 1

Answer:

(i)  Oxidizing Agent: NO2 / Reducing Agent NH3-

(ii) Oxidizing Agent AgNO3 / Reducing Agent Zn

Explanation:

(i) 8NH3( g) + 6NO2( g) => 7N2( g) + 12H2O( l)

In this reaction, both two reactants contain nitrogen with a different oxidation number and produce only one product which contains nitrogen with a unique oxidation state. So, nitrogen is oxidized and reduced in the same reaction.

Nitrogen Undergoes a change in oxidation state from 4+ in NO2 to 0 in N2. It is reduced because it gains electrons (decrease its oxidation state). NO2 is the oxidizing agent (electron acceptor).

Nitrogen Changes from an oxidation state of 3- in NH3 to 0 in N2. It is oxidized because it loses electrons (increase its oxidation state). NH3 is the reducing agent (electron donor)

(ii) Zn(s) +AgNO3(aq) => Zn(NO3)2(aq) + Ag(s)

Ag changes oxidation state from 1+ to 0 in Ag(s).

Ag is reduced because it gains electrons and for this reason and AgNO3 is the oxidizing agent (electron acceptor)

Zn Changes from an oxidation state of 0 in Zn(s) to 2+ in Zn(NO3)2. It is oxidized and for this reason Zn is the reducing agent (electron donor).

Balanced equation:

Zn(s) +2AgNO3(aq) => Zn(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)