Question

consider the reaction below.
2k + br₂ → 2k⁺ + 2br⁻
what is being reduced?
∘ only k
∘ only br₂
∘ both k and br₂
∘ neither k nor br₂

Explanation:

To determine what is reduced, we analyze oxidation states. For \( \text{K} \): in elemental form (\( \text{K} \)), oxidation state is 0; in \( \text{K}^+ \), it is \( +1 \). So \( \text{K} \) loses electrons (oxidized). For \( \text{Br}_2 \): in elemental form (\( \text{Br}_2 \)), oxidation state is 0; in \( \text{Br}^- \), it is \( -1 \). So \( \text{Br}_2 \) gains electrons (reduced). Thus, only \( \text{Br}_2 \) is reduced.

Answer:

only \( \text{Br}_2 \) (the option with "only \( \text{Br}_2 \)")