Reduction 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 reduced?

Solution

  1. 1
    Copper in CuO\text{CuO} goes from +2 to 0 in metallic copper.
  2. 2
    A decrease in oxidation number means reduction, so copper(II) oxide is reduced to copper.

Answer

Copper(II) oxide is reduced to copper.
Reduction means gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state. In redox reactions, one species is oxidized while another is reduced at the same time.

About Reduction

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

Learn more about Reduction →

More Reduction Examples

Example 1 easy

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

Example 2 medium

In a blast furnace, iron ore is reduced: [formula]. Identify the reducing agent.

Example 3 easy

In the reaction [formula], is copper being oxidized or reduced?

← All Reduction Examples Reduction Concept