Question

1. identify the reducing agent in the following reaction? zno(s) + c(s) → zn(s) + co(g)

a) zn(s)
b) c(s)
c) zno(s)
d) co(g)
e) this is not a redox reaction. no reducing agent is present.

Explanation:

Step1: Define reducing agent

A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons and gets oxidized in a redox - reaction.

Step2: Analyze oxidation states

In the reactant $C(s)$, the oxidation state of carbon is 0. In the product $CO(g)$, the oxidation state of carbon is +2. Carbon's oxidation state increases from 0 to +2, which means it loses electrons and is oxidized.

Step3: Determine the reducing agent

Since carbon ($C(s)$) gets oxidized and causes the reduction of zinc in $ZnO(s)$ to $Zn(s)$, $C(s)$ is the reducing agent.

Answer:

B. $C(s)$