The following reaction occurs in a…

Chemistry Questions

The following reaction occurs in a car’s catalytic converter: 2NO(g) + 2CO(g) ==> N2(g) + 2CO2(g). Which answer best describes the reducing and oxidizing processes in this reaction? 1) NO and CO are both reducing agents. 2) NO and CO are both oxidizing agents. 3) The oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from +2 to +4 as the reaction proceeds. 4) The oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from 0 to +2, and the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from +4 to +2 as the reaction proceeds.

Answer

The accurate description states that the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from +2 to 0, while the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from +2 to +4 during the reaction. Explanation: An oxidizing agent is a substance that facilitates the oxidation of another while being reduced itself; this involves gaining electrons and a decrease in its oxidation state. Conversely, a reducing agent is one that reduces another substance and is oxidized in the process, leading to a loss of electrons and an increase in its oxidation state. For the provided chemical reaction: [tex]2NO(g)+2CO(g)rightarrow N_2(g)+2CO_2(g)[/tex] On the reactant side: Nitrogen’s oxidation state = +2, Carbon’s oxidation state = +2, Oxygen’s oxidation state = -2. On the product side: Nitrogen’s oxidation state = 0, Carbon’s oxidation state = +4, Oxygen’s oxidation state = -2. The oxidation state of carbon increases from +2 to +4, indicating it loses electrons and is oxidized, thus CO acts as a reducing agent. On the other hand, the oxidation state of nitrogen decreases from +2 to 0, showing it gains electrons and is reduced, making it an oxidizing agent. Therefore, the correct statement is that the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO changes from +2 to 0, and the oxidation state of carbon in CO changes from +2 to +4 during the reaction.

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