State which substance is undergoing oxidation and which substance is undergoing reduction in the following reaction:

N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) ---> 2 NH3 (g)

Respuesta :

Answer:

H₂(g) = oxidized

N₂(g) = reduced

Explanation:

Oxidized substances lose electrons and increase in oxidation number. Reduced substances gain electrons and decrease in oxidation number.

Lone elements always have an oxidation number of 0. So, N₂(g) and H₂(g) have oxidation numbers of 0.

Within compounds, hydrogen generally always have an oxidation of +1. Therefore, the hydrogen in NH₃(g) has an oxidation number of +1. In order to make the overall compound neutral, the nitrogen in NH₃(g) must have an oxidation number of -3 (to balance the +3 from the 3 hydrogens).

Since H₂(s) is losing electrons (goes from 0 to +1), it is being oxidized. Since N₂(g) is gaining electrons (goes from 0 to -3), it is being reduced.

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