Question

What element is undergoing oxidation in the following reaction?. . CH4(g) +2O2 (g) -> CO2(g) +2H2O(g). . . option . a) C. b) O . c)H. . .

Answer 1

The correct answer is a.) C. Oxidation occurs when an element loses electrons and increases its oxidation state. In the chemical equation, Carbon in CH4 has an oxidation state of 4- while Carbon in CO2 has an oxidation of 4+.

Answer 2

Answer : The correct option is, (a) C

Explanation :

The given balanced reaction is,

$CH_4(g)+2O_2(g)\rightarrow CO_2(g)+2H_2O(g)$

This reaction is a combustion reaction in which a hydrocarbon react with oxygen to give carbon dioxide and water as a product. Or we can say that, on oxidation a hydrocarbon gives carbon dioxide and water.

The gain of oxygen and loss of electrons are the oxidation and the loss of oxygen and gain of electrons are the reduction.

In the given reaction, the element carbon (C) is undergoing oxidation. That means on oxidation the carbon (C) element produces carbon dioxide.

Hence, the correct option is, (a) C