Question

consider the half reaction below.
2cl⁻(aq) → cl₂(g) + 2e⁻
which statement best describes what is taking place?
○ chlorine is losing electrons and being oxidized.
○ chlorine is losing electrons and being reduced.
○ chlorine is gaining electrons and being oxidized.
○ chlorine is gaining electrons and being reduced.

Explanation:

1. First, recall the definitions of oxidation and reduction: Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons. Also, in terms of oxidation state, oxidation involves an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves a decrease.

• For the half - reaction \(2\ce{Cl^-}(aq)

ightarrow\ce{Cl_2}(g) + 2e^-\):

• The oxidation state of \(\ce{Cl}\) in \(\ce{Cl^-}\) is \(- 1\), and in \(\ce{Cl_2}\) (a diatomic molecule of chlorine) the oxidation state of each \(\ce{Cl}\) atom is \(0\).
• As the reaction proceeds, the oxidation state of chlorine changes from \(-1\) to \(0\), which is an increase.
• From the half - reaction, we can see that each \(\ce{Cl^-}\) ion is losing an electron (since electrons are on the product side of the half - reaction).
• Since oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons (and an increase in oxidation state), chlorine is being oxidized as it loses electrons.

1. Now, analyze each option:

• Option 1: "Chlorine is losing electrons and being oxidized" - This matches our analysis. The half - reaction shows that \(\ce{Cl^-}\) (chlorine in ionic form) is losing electrons to form \(\ce{Cl_2}\), and the oxidation state of chlorine increases from \(-1\) to \(0\), so it is oxidized.
• Option 2: "Chlorine is losing electrons and being reduced" - Reduction is the gain of electrons, so this is incorrect. If an atom loses electrons, it is oxidized, not reduced.
• Option 3: "Chlorine is gaining electrons and being oxidized" - Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons. So gaining electrons would be reduction, not oxidation. This option is incorrect.
• Option 4: "Chlorine is gaining electrons and being reduced" - The half - reaction shows electrons are a product, meaning electrons are lost, not gained. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Chlorine is losing electrons and being oxidized