Oxidation Chemistry Example 4

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Example 4

medium
In the reaction CuO+H2→Cu+H2O\text{CuO} + \text{H}_2 \rightarrow \text{Cu} + \text{H}_2\text{O}, which substance is oxidized?

Solution

  1. 1
    Hydrogen goes from oxidation state 0 in H2\text{H}_2 to +1 in H2O\text{H}_2\text{O}.
  2. 2
    An increase in oxidation number means oxidation, so hydrogen is oxidized.

Answer

Hydrogen is oxidized.
Oxidation means loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state. Tracking oxidation numbers across reactants and products is a reliable way to identify oxidation.

About Oxidation

The loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule during a chemical reaction, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state.

Learn more about Oxidation →

More Oxidation Examples

Example 1 easy

In the reaction [formula], identify which species is oxidized.

Example 2 medium

In the reaction [formula], write the oxidation and reduction half-reactions.

Example 3 easy

Is iron rusting an example of oxidation? Explain.

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