Question

question 28
use the following reaction to answer the questions below:
ca + n₂ --> ca₃n₂
which element was reduced calcium?
which element was oxidized nitrogen?
which element is the oxidizing agent? nitrogen ion
which element is the reducing agent? calcium

Explanation:

Step1: Determine oxidation states

In $Ca$, oxidation state of $Ca$ is 0; in $N_2$, oxidation state of $N$ is 0. In $Ca_3N_2$, oxidation state of $Ca$ is +2 and of $N$ is - 3.

Step2: Identify oxidation and reduction

Oxidation is increase in oxidation state. $Ca$ goes from 0 to +2, so $Ca$ is oxidized. Reduction is decrease in oxidation state. $N$ goes from 0 to -3, so $N$ is reduced.

Step3: Determine oxidizing and reducing agents

The oxidizing agent is the substance that causes oxidation and gets reduced itself. So $N_2$ (nitrogen) is the oxidizing agent. The reducing agent is the substance that causes reduction and gets oxidized itself. So $Ca$ (calcium) is the reducing agent.

Answer:

Which element was reduced: nitrogen
Which element was oxidized: calcium
Which element is the oxidizing agent: nitrogen
Which element is the reducing agent: calcium